Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri admits he will make ‘more mistakes’ like any other coach but insists the team’s value has increased in the current campaign.
The Italian tactician held a pre-match press conference on Saturday on the eve of a Serie A game against Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium.
He provided team news, confirming that Arek Milik will be the only Bianconeri player unavailable on Sunday. The Livorno-born coach also faced questions about Juventus’ results this season, his future and the decisions he’s made at the club since returning in 2021.
When asked if the Europa League semifinal loss against Sevilla last season is a regret he has, Allegri replied: “Sevilla? Which one? I think we lost in the extra time with a shoot from outside the box. Do you know how many errors I’ve made? Surely, I’ll do more, in choices and line-ups, but this is why football is great. It’s not up to me to say that I am good. I must do my best, but I make mistakes like everyone else.”
Juventus won just one game from the last nine in Serie A, but beat Lazio in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals on Tuesday. Likewise, Fiorentina beat Atalanta at home in the other semifinal.
“Tomorrow, we’ll face a team that played well against Atalanta,” said Allegri.
“They create a lot and play well. We are aware of the difficulties from tomorrow’s game, so we need an adequate performance and a result.
“Victories boost confidence and help you see things differently. We have eight league games remaining, and we must start tomorrow. We must earn points from the main target, the Champions League. The lads have trained well.”
Juventus are currently 20 points below table leaders Inter. Does it reflect the gap between the two teams this term?
“I think numbers count,” said the coach.
“The league tells the real value of the teams. Many things happen across the season. Right now, we are 20 points below Inter, but we don’t think about that; we think about those we miss to reach the Champions League.”
Following Tuesday’s loss to Juventus, Lazio coach Igor Tudor said the Bianconeri have the same potential as Manchester City and Real Madrid, but Allegri didn’t seem to agree.
“Only results count in football; these are things managers say. If a team win, it’s because they deserved it, the same if it finishes second or third,” he argued.
“The rest is meaningless. Igor has his idea; he is an exceptional lad, but the pitch determines the team’s value.”
Would he feel safer if club directors said he’ll remain at the club next season?
“My only thought is on our targets,” Allegri replied.
“The team and the staff members are only thinking about this. We must fight and work hard to finish in the top four.”
Has Juventus’ value increased this season?
“Absolutely, it’s normal and simple. We have strong players with room for improvement. The more they play, the more they improve; this is why reaching the Champions League is fundamental,” said Allegri.
“European matches will help them improve further. We dropped many points this season, but it doesn’t mean the lads haven’t grown.”
This also applies to Dusan Vlahovic.
“As I’ve already said, these players must play more games for Juventus [in order to improve], also at a European level. Vlahovic is improving. He didn’t start the season well, but it happens to everyone. Strikers may not score goals for a while, but then they return. It’s true of Kean too. Yildiz is fit, and I am sorry for Milik, but all these players are doing well,” Allegri concluded.