Allegri explains issues with Juventus ‘octagon possession style’

An image of Juventus’ build-up play against Sampdoria went viral after Monday’s game and Max Allegri has explained what his players got wrong.

The Bianconeri boss has been criticised following a 0-0 draw against the Blucerchiati on Monday night.

An image of the Bianconeri’s build-up play in the first half had gone viral after the match and Allegri explained his players’ errors during a press conference today.

“We didn’t play well in the first half, but Sampdoria had a good game, they closed the spaces and let our defenders build up from the back,” the coach said.

“It’s true that we emptied the middle of the pitch so we didn’t play much in the middle, but games last 95 minutes, and we had to win in the second half.

“We emptied the midfield because the Mezzali (central midfielders) played as strikers. Locatelli came too deep, so there was nobody in the middle.

“In the second half, we filled the midfield again so we did a little better. We work every day to improve. We want to play good football and win, but I don’t want to hear about entertainment. I don’t want a pretty and losing team.

“Manuel Locatelli is doing well, he proved his worth last season, he can only improve and get in shape, I am happy, he can play in front of the defence, but it’s a new role, especially when we play with three midfielders. If Rovella plays in front of the defence, Locatelli can play on the right.

“Having fun for me means winning, we need time. I told the lads that we couldn’t do worst than what we did in the first half against Sampdoria, if we play like in the first half against Samp, of course, I don’t have fun,” Allegri added.

“There is a good spirit and desire to reach the targets, there will be more games like the one against Samp, especially at the start of the season, the so-called dirty games. What we must do is avoid frustration because it can happen to us and everyone else.”