Massimiliano Allegri defends his comments that not conceding is the most important thing for Juventus against Borussia Dortmund.
The Bianconeri meet the German side on Tuesday in the Champions League, with the Coach telling German media that they are aiming not to concede first and foremost.
Massimiliano Allegri defends his comments that not conceding is the most important thing for Juventus against Borussia Dortmund.
The Bianconeri meet the German side on Tuesday in the Champions League, with the Coach telling German media that they are aiming not to concede first and foremost.
“I said that because it’s not a one-off game,” Allegri explained in his Press conference ahead of the League game with Atalanta.
“It’s a Last 16 tie, made up of two games and lasting 180 minutes. They key thing is not to concede a goal at home.
“If I could choose then I’d choose to win, but if we don’t win it’s better to get a 0-0 than 1-1. That was my answer, and that’s my answer today.
“There are two games, that must be handled in a balanced way, because our goal is to go through.
“If we draw 0-0 at home, and get a 1-1 over there then we’ve achieved that. I’ll say again, if you don’t concede at home you’ve taken one step forward.”
The former Milan Coach also dismissed suggestions that his side is too reliant on Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez.
“Tevez, despite being an international quality player, is a player with character. This is important for the team, and for the whole squad.
“It’s like all teams, just as Lionel Messi is vital for Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic for Paris Saint-Germain.
“It’s normal that when you have these great players they become key players for the team. That does not detract from the fact we should have won at Cesena, regardless of whether Tevez was on the pitch.
“As for Andrea, even when he’s marked he can play calmly. It’s would be wrong to change the way we play after one error where we conceded a goal [against Cesena, where Pirlo was caught in possession].
“Andrea is an added value for us, especially at a technical level. He gives the team great shape, and above all is a point of reference when the team is under pressure.
“It think it’s normal that we try to use the features that he has.”