Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli admits the Bianconeri are ‘ugly’ in some games, but insists this season’s target is to qualify for the Champions League.
Juventus secured a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Sunday night, but only kept 25% possession and struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities in the second half.
Locatelli was asked why the Old Lady adopted a more defensive approach after the break, but the Italy international insisted that coach Allegri didn’t make the decision in the dressing room.
“We didn’t decide; we wanted to play like in the first half, but we didn’t manage to do so because of Fiorentina. We suffered, but winning was fundamental, for the table and the morale,” the Italian midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
The Bianconeri won just two Serie A matches from the last 10, but their win against Fiorentina means they are now seven points above 5th-placed Roma with eight games remaining.
“We must look ourselves in the eyes; some games were really ugly,” admitted Locatelli.
“I’ve always seen a united group, but we must be honest with ourselves. The real challenge is with ourselves. We must put ourselves on the line and qualify for the Champions League and the Coppa Italia Final.”
The Bianconeri were involved in the title race until February and a 1-0 loss against Inter at San Siro did affect the Serie A giants.
“Honestly, we thought we were close to Inter,” admitted Locatelli.
“There was great disappointment, and we paid for it even though this season’s target is to qualify for the Champions League.
“Surely, there is room for improvement. We should keep the ball longer. We sit too deep in some games, and this is where we must improve,” the Italian midfielder continued.
“There have been changes over the last three years; we lost experience but gained lightheartedness and youth. At the end of the day, even in a terrible season like the last one, with any sort of trouble, we obtained results. This season, we want to win a trophy.”
Juventus’ next Serie A game is against Torino in an away Derby della Mole.