Max Allegri is full of praise for ‘real champion’ Angel Di Maria after the hat-trick disposed of FC Nantes, but warns ‘it won’t be easy’ for Juventus to win the Europa League.
The Bianconeri knew the pressure was on after a 1-1 first leg result in Turin, but Di Maria stepped up and took control to get the tie on track in the opening minutes.
First the Argentina international curled a first-time left-foot stunner into the far top corner from the edge of the box, then his back-heel flick from six yards earned a penalty and red card for Nicolas Pallois handball.
Eventually, his header crossed the line before Alban Lafont could bat it away for a hat-trick and the 4-1 aggregate victory.
“I am happy with the performance, it was not an easy game after the first leg result, as the crowd here is very passionate,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s only natural that we still need to improve the speed of our passing and realise how the goals came about, because we used the width of the pitch. That is where we have an advantage.”
After he was initially criticised by fans and media for not delivering enough for his salary, now Juventus fear they are too reliant on Di Maria and tonight’s hat-trick confirms it.
“He is a champion and different to the others. Everything comes easily to him, he raises the overall level of the squad and the others all feel more relaxed in his presence. He sees things that others cannot. Di Maria is in the category of real champions.”
Juventus dropped down from the Champions League and are now in the Europa League Round of 16, but Allegri warns their fans and the media not to get ahead of themselves.
“Just because we were eliminated from the Champions League does not mean it will be easy to win the Europa League. It isn’t, but we have the duty to try and go all the way, just as we do in Serie A.
“We are trying to get there slowly, because apart from Napoli who are practically in their own league, all the teams are more or less on the same level.”
There are regrets looking back at the disastrous Champions League group phase, which saw the Old Lady lose five of their six matches.
“We got it wrong in the Champions League, but still earned 47 Serie A points and would be level with Inter,” noted the coach, referring to their 15-point Serie A penalty for inflated transfer fees.
“We are in the Coppa Italia semi-final too. So I realise it is strange to see Juve on 32 points, but I see a more than positive season. We were missing Pogba, Di Maria, Vlahovic, Bonucci, Cuadrado for long periods, but found some interesting young players. Now everyone is getting back to fitness and we will need everyone.”
Allegri is often asked whether the Europa League or Serie A is now more important, considering winning the Europa League might be their best bet of qualifying for the Champions League next term.
“We will not snub either of those competitions,” assured the coach.
gotta give credit when its due, well done,
wheres allegri the poster, havent read his comments since they introduced this new login to comment