Max Allegri tried to shrug off Manchester City euphoria, as Genoa is “a fundamental moment in the Juventus campaign.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The win over Manchester City was a very important result for the Champions League, because starting with an away victory against the favourites of the group is a boost for everyone,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Max Allegri tried to shrug off Manchester City euphoria, as Genoa is “a fundamental moment in the Juventus campaign.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The win over Manchester City was a very important result for the Champions League, because starting with an away victory against the favourites of the group is a boost for everyone,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Serie A is another matter, as we have one point from three rounds and started badly in terms of results, if not in terms of performance.
“We have to be realistic, look at the table and seek our first victory against a tough side like Genoa. Tomorrow is one of those matches that during the course of a campaign becomes fundamental.
“Usually there are three such moments in a season and we’ve reached it already at the fourth round, because it is certainly an important crossroads for us.”
“Serie A is not compromised, as there are so many games still to go. We are eight points adrift of the top, so right now the favourites for the Scudetto are Inter and Roma. We’ll take it one step at a time, try to climb the table and start keeping clean sheets.
“Unfortunately Martin Caceres is not at our disposal, as after two games for Uruguay and the Chievo match, he had a slight muscular problem.
“The most important thing, as I said before Tuesday’s game, was to focus only on working, staying quiet and picking up points.
“We went from total depression on Monday to total euphoria on Tuesday. That’s good for the media, but not for us. The team needs to grow consistently, as we have 10 new players, many of whom are young and unaccustomed to playing three big games per week.
“Enthusiasm is good, but we must immediately forget Manchester City and keep going game by game, as there are another 50 to go this season.
“We must find the right balance, which is to stop flying from enthusiasm to depression and depression to enthusiasm.”
Much has been written about Allegri’s change of tactics from a 4-3-1-2 to the 4-3-3 with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado. More than specific numbers, I’ll say we have always played with four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
“We could play the same way as on Tuesday or we could change things round. After today’s training session, I will decide who plays, keeping in mind that we have another match on Wednesday against Frosinone.
“Against Manchester City we had four attacking players, even four and a half considering Hernanes was in a deeper role. If all these attacking players work for the team, we attack and defend better. If they don’t, it all becomes more difficult, as the two moves are strongly linked.”
Simone Zaza has been tipped to start against Genoa or Frosinone, as the former Sassuolo striker is frustrated at the lack of playing time.
“Simone is improving in training, as he took some time to settle, as was normal. Daniele Rugani, Simone Padoin and others who aren’t playing as much need some patience and to be ready when called on, because by the end of the season everyone will get their chance.
“Playing for a big club means being prepared to fight for your place and to make the most of the 10 minutes or whatever that you are given,” noted Allegri.
“The team defended well in Manchester, conceding only on a corner with a foul. Manchester City had gone 11 or so games without conceding, so Juventus will eventually get back to keeping clean sheets too.
“Last season perhaps Gigi Buffon intervened the way only he can, or our opponents missed the chance or luck went our way. At the moment we are conceding at the first chance we allow, it’s just a moment and it will pass.”