Max Allegri insists the 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid can ‘only be good’ for Juventus to change their ‘attitude’ and he won’t comment on Alvaro Morata’s hat-trick.
The Bianconeri were flattened at the Continassa training ground in Turin, a change of venue from the original plan to play in Tel Aviv due to security concerns.
Morata scored a hat-trick before the stoppage-time Matheus Cunha effort rounded out the humiliating scoreline for Diego Simeone’s side.
“This defeat can only do us good,” insisted Allegri on Sky Sport Italia.
“We were tired coming in, working hard in training after our return from America. Atleti are certainly at a more advanced stage than us in pre-season preparation, but there is still no excuse. The only solution is to be focused and prepare for our season opener against Sassuolo.
“We must find the positives from the negative situations, we’ve got a week to prepare, above all mentally. We know that when there are three points up for grabs, the attitude will be different.”
Juan Cuadrado did not participate again and Allegri confirmed the reason was “gastroenteritis,” while Moise Kean was sent to the stands as punishment for turning up late.
Kean and Adrien Rabiot won’t be able to play against Sassuolo anyway as they are suspended, with Paul Pogba and Weston McKennie injured.
“This is the squad we have, we need to try and get the three points against Sassuolo with a different attitude,” continued Allegri.
Inevitably, questions are raised about the potential players who could still join, including Filip Kostic and Morata.
“At this moment, I have to work with these players, we have all the quality and possibilities needed to start the season well, but we absolutely need to transform our attitude, be more determined, what Atletico did today.
“I cannot say anything on Morata, because he is an Atletico Madrid player.”