Max Allegri is keeping Juventus tactical options open against Manchester City, but warned Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT in Turin and the Bianconeri already beat City 2-1 in England.
Patrice Evra is at risk with an injury, while Allegri was asked whether the Frenchman or Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic or Dybala would start.
“Evra has recovered and I will make my final decisions after the last training session tomorrow morning,” smiled the Coach.
Max Allegri is keeping Juventus tactical options open against Manchester City, but warned Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT in Turin and the Bianconeri already beat City 2-1 in England.
Patrice Evra is at risk with an injury, while Allegri was asked whether the Frenchman or Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic or Dybala would start.
“Evra has recovered and I will make my final decisions after the last training session tomorrow morning,” smiled the Coach.
“This is an important match as it could be worth first place in the group. We must focus on winning, as it’s the only result that can guarantee qualification tomorrow. If we don’t win, we are tied to Sevilla’s result against Borussia Monchengladbach.
“We are facing Manchester City, who are one of the strongest teams in Europe.”
Pogba has often been compared to Yaya Toure, but what still separates the two players at this stage of their careers?
“There’s a 10-year difference, for a start! They are both extraordinary players, Paul has time to improve and it’s up to him to work every single day to challenge himself and not rest on his laurels, even during the game.
“I have four players available in attack, I think two will play. We could have three at the back, we could use Juan Cuadrado wide, I have not yet decided. We have the option to play with three in defence or four.
“I am not worried by a trial by media if I don’t play Dybala. I am worried about all the praise for a 21-year-old who is doing well, but needs to be given the time and space to grow calmly. At his age he cannot have all the responsibility for Juventus success on his shoulders.
“Mario Mandzukic will score his tally of goals by the end of the season. At the moment Dybala is on strong form, but a striker tends to have highs and lows during a campaign.”
Manchester City are fresh from a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool in the Premier League, so did Allegri learn anything from that game?
“I saw a great performance and pressure from Liverpool, cutting off all service for the forwards. Manchester have a lot of quality from the midfield up, so we must naturally try to make the most of their weak spots.
“When we face sides who sit back and wait for us, we cannot leave ourselves wide open to the counter. The players must therefore learn to read the various moments of the game and the change of gear.”
The Bianconeri won the Double last term and reached the Champions League Final, so why did they struggle so badly at the start of this season?
“At this moment Juventus are better physically than before, the three consecutive Serie A wins have helped the team to grow and let’s not forget when you have 10 new players they won’t just settle in from one day to the next.
“You just have to see how Alex Sandro, Dybala, Mario Lemina and others have improved over time. During this process, we dropped some points by the wayside in Serie A.
“In the Champions League it’s all still open, we haven’t achieved anything yet, so tomorrow we need strong support from the fans.
“It’s true that the previous four years made fans accustomed to victories, as did the history of Juventus, but we have to sweat and fight for every game. Nothing is to be taken for granted.
“Therefore at certain points in the match, these lads need the support of their fans and I am sure tomorrow they’ll be there for us.”