Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists the Bianconeri must ‘defend differently’ and claims there are no problems with Federico Chiesa while Dusan Vlahovic has changed.
The Bianconeri secured a late 3-2 victory over strugglers Frosinone on Sunday. It was their first victory in five matches, but there was still cause for worry for the Old Lady at the Allianz Stadium.
“We must return to defending differently. We conceded six goals in the first half in the last seven matches. It was too easy to score for them today,” Allegri told DAZN.
“On the second goal. Rabiot was injured, so we should have been smart enough to stop the play.
“We didn’t defend well in the first half. We were too stretched. They pressed high so we struggled a bit. We were more aggressive in the second half and they dropped a little, but games last 90 minutes, so when the opponents are on the same level physically, we must be strong enough and avoid conceding.”
“We must work hard and return to doing what we used to do. We’ll try to reverse the trend,” continued the Bianconeri coach.
“These are three important points in the race for the top four.”
Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie sustained injuries during the match, so it remains to be seen if they’ll be available against Napoli next week.
“We have other players too. Rabiot and McKennie have been important to us. We’ll see when they will be available, but surely, we’ll line up the right team for a good performance in Naples next week,” said Allegri.
Vlahovic was in superb form on Sunday, scoring a brace and delivering the assist for Rugani.
“Dusan is doing well. Some time ago, he was always irritable, he was anxious to score. Now, he is much more balanced, he’s always involved in the game so this is important,” noted Allegri.
Chiesa on the other hand, was rarely dangerous and was subbed off in the second half.
“There are no problems,” insisted Allegri.
“He hasn’t been trained constantly during this period. He needs to get back in shape. He was available for the team on the pitch, so he has to remain calm because he is an important player for us and will prove it in the second part of the campaign.”
Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli had said before the match that he is happy with Allegri and wants to continue with the Italian coach in 2024-25.
“I am happy because we are working well with the club,” confirmed Allegri.
“We are on the same page on everything, but we must think about the present now. I have a contract until 2025 and I’ve practically been at Juventus for ten years. I am proud of it. I work for the club, for the owners and for the team with love, passion and dedication.
“I am emotionally tied to Juventus, which I don’t know if it’s good or bad,” he added with a smile.
Allegri concluded by confirming that he is “absolutely” happy at Juventus.
“We have started a path. First with the previous president [Andrea Agnelli] and Federico Cherubini. We are continuing the same with Giuntoli, with Manna and Scanavino. We have common targets, but I must think about the present and return to the Champions League, which is an important financial target for the club. The club will assess the plans for the future.”