Massimiliano Allegri reiterated how it’s ‘always difficult to win’ in European games and confirmed that his Juventus side would be rotated a little for the match with Spezia.
The Bianconeri were left frustrated in the first leg of their knockout play-off tie with FC Nantes, only managing to pick up a 1-1 draw on a misfortunate evening in the Europa League.
Juventus’ focus has now returned to Serie A as they gear up to face relegation candidates Spezia. A win is key as the club look to climb back up the table following their 15-point deduction.
Speaking in a press conference, Allegri first discussed what the clash with Spezia means for Juventus.
“We have to continue in what are our mini-goals. It will be a complicated match, it’s a difficult place to go and Spezia are a team that create a lot, like what happened also with Napoli and Atalanta.
“We need a fair game, played with attention and determination.”
He was asked how he maintains his squad’s focus on Spezia and not to the second leg with Nantes.
“We set ourselves the goal of climbing more positions in the table. Regardless of what happens outside, we have to work on the points scored in the league.
“The Europa League is not compromised, in Europe it is always difficult to win games. Then football is strange, despite having a piece of the match where we could have done better, we had important chances.”
The Italian coach confirmed that he’d rotate the Bianconeri squad a little.
“Those who play a lot are used to it. Tomorrow Chiesa won’t be there because he played two games in four days and he was very tired, normal after 10 months of stop.
“Perin will return and play, the others I will have to evaluate. Surely there will be some changes. Three who play tomorrow are Kean, Perin and Rugani. The others I have to evaluate and decide.”
He was asked if he expected more understanding from those close to the club.
“No, we don’t need that. We must try to do our best. It’s a pity about Europe, but it’s proof that there are no easy games.”
Allegri gave his thoughts on emerging Dutch talent Dean Huijsen.
“He is very good, but I think there have already been boys in the first team this year. Next year we’ll see, we have to think about finishing this year in the best possible way.”
The Juventus coach touched on the team’s issues with unexpected moments in games.
“We thought about it, it needs to be improved. More a mental thing, we have to think that in a season you can’t think of never conceding goals.
“There is a lot of time to win a game, to recover. We must have the serenity to go for the second goal. We are still unbalanced in that sense.”
He was asked where his recent outbursts stemmed from.
“I’m not nervous, something happened with someone booing for no reason. The other night was perhaps a wrong reaction, but I can be criticised for many things.
“But there’s one thing, you shouldn’t talk about facts. On that, one cannot argue, then I accept that I am poor, my teams suck. But you can’t argue about numbers.
“I’m sorry when I had the reaction the other night, I have no reaction if I’m criticised because everyone can have their own opinion. But about numbers nothing is debatable.”
He was also asked if he’d be happy with a 1-0 win over Spezia.
“No, I hope to win 3-0, I told the boys that I want to see my grandson grow up!”
Finally, Allegri touched on the continued support of the Juventus management.
“No, the club is never missing because Juventus are the strongest club there is. The club are the basis for getting results, they’re always there, more than ever.”