Max Allegri insists defeat to Olympiacos “cannot justify such ferocious criticism” of Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus as they host Palermo.

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT on Sunday, click here for a match preview.

Max Allegri insists defeat to Olympiacos “cannot justify such ferocious criticism” of Juventus as they host Palermo.

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT on Sunday, click here for a match preview.

“On Wednesday we had three players in the starting XI who only started training with the team 40 days late,” said the Coach in his Press conference of that 1-0 Champions League loss.

“We are trying to improve certain things, but I was without many players for 15 days due to international duty, which is positive in that it proves I have talented men at my disposal.

“I think the team was unjustly criticised. We conceded one goal in Athens on a ball we lost in midfield and attacked them a great deal. We have every chance of qualifying and can mathematically still top the group.

“We will analyse the defeat, because we did not play well and didn’t control the game properly. However, the first 45 minutes in Athens cannot justify such ferocious criticism.”

Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal looked to be in poor shape during that game, as they are not match fit after long-term injuries.

“Andrea needs to find his tempo and move the ball the way he knows how. He is a unique player in that role and the team needs him,” continued Allegri.

“The important thing is to win tomorrow. I won’t rotate the squad based on a plan, but rather evaluate each player and make my decisions one game at a time.

“Palermo have become more solid as the season went on. They have Paulo Dybala in attack and we can beat them by playing good football.”

Not only was that Juve’s second consecutive Champions League defeat, but their Serie A record also ground to a halt with last week’s 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Sassuolo.

“In Serie A we’ve won six games and drawn one. It’s nice trying to win all the time, but considering the circumstances few expected us to be top of the table already with Roma such tough antagonists.

“Are Juve starting to miss Antonio Conte? That’s been an issue since I first arrived. Conte had three extraordinary years, but he is the past now. He is in history, but we have to look forward.

“We are first and have to improve, as we concede too many and score too few considering we have eight or 10 chances per game.”

Finally, Paul Pogba signed a contract extension with Juventus until 2019.

“I think the club invested well in this 21-year-old player. He has to improve a lot, as he is lacking that last step to become extraordinary. He has a great future and can stay here for a long time.”

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