Massimiliano Allegri reveals that he called Alvaro Morata after the signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January and admits that reaching the Champions League Round of 16 is the minimum target set by Juventus.
The Bianconeri will host Villarreal tonight in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw in Spain three weeks ago. Juventus haven’t qualified for the quarter-finals for two years as they were eliminated at this stage of the competition in 2019-20 under Maurizio Sarri and in 2020-21 with Andrea Pirlo in the dugout.
“If we go through it’s a good result, if we go out, we’ve reached the minimum target set by the club,” Allegri told Prime Video.
“It’s like a final. Without the away goal rule, we need to play it as a final and we need to play well.”
Juventus had a tough start to the season with just two points collected in the opening four games. Their results improved during the campaign and the signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January has changed the shape of the Old Lady.
“Of course, when you have a centre forward, the team feels more serene,” said Allegri.
“Vlahovic is an excellent striker, but he is still very young, Zakaria also joined the club in January and there has been general growth.
“When Vlahovic arrived, I immediately called Morata to tell him that he would have stayed at the club. I didn’t need anything more. Just a few crucial words.”
The Serbia international scored on his Serie A and Champions League debuts with Juventus and has found the net four times in his first nine appearances with the Bianconeri. Morata’s loan spell in Turin ends at the end of the season and the Bianconeri will try to make his move permanent at the end of the season for a lower fee than the €35m agreed with Atletico Madrid two years ago.
Mr allegri NO technical or tactical mistake tonight. juventus must beat Villarreal and proceed to next round(benfica await you).
Even if juv qualified, all other teams we wish to be group with juv.
Way to aim high Allegri. I hope I’m wrong but I’m guessing we will see his “play not to lose” tactics. If they lose again for fourth year in a row to a “smaller team” this organization’s needs to be fully re-evaluated
Allegri reminds me of Simeone. He knows how to get teams with small budgets to win. Although in the champions league anything is possible. Juve definetly have a better squad and have to qualify to have a successful season. Vlahovic and Morata its your time to shine.