Max Allegri examines where Juventus still need to improve after a 2-0 win away to Bologna, particularly Arthur, and reiterates he’s not expecting any new players in January.
The Bianconeri needed to get back on track after their draw at Venezia and were certainly clinical, scoring with their only two genuine opportunities against the run of play.
Alvaro Morata broke through within six minutes, then Juan Cuadrado’s strike took a big deflection off Aaron Hickey, but Bologna dominated possession in the Stadio Dall’Ara fog.
Serie A | Bologna 0-2 Juventus: Morata and Cuadrado clinical
“Everyone collaborated when defending, which is how it ought to be. Compared to Venezia, we had a better attitude from the start, but need to do more going forward,” Allegri told DAZN.
“Bologna have a lot of quality, so it’s natural they were going to have some chances. We did well here, but cannot lower our guard now, as there are many head-to-head clashes coming up in January before the Champions League resumes.”
Allegri was asked about the performance in midfield from Arthur Melo, who was substituted in the second half and did not seem pleased at the decision.
“We still need to improve our reading of the game and various moments of the match, for instance just before half-time Arthur made this vertical pass when it was the time to hold on and control the possession.
“It’s different at Barcelona, he was in a three-man midfield and not accustomed to sitting in front of the defence.
“He also is used to taking a lot more touches than we do here. I think if he plays in front of the defence with the right mentality and his technique, he can do well. His head was wobbling as he ran, so he seemed tired and I took him off.”
Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene warned before kick-off that the increase in Capital does not mean they will be particularly active on the January transfer market and this is something Allegri can get behind.
“The Juventus squad is excellent and we’ll continue with them until the end of the season. These players can certainly improve in their confidence, form and desire to achieve objectives. We can improve tactically, technically and in terms of results,” continued the coach.
“It is a good result that keeps us in the running for fourth place, but we mustn’t lower our guard now. It’s a long journey, with many young and inexperienced players. We knew from the start it would not be easy to finish in the top four or challenge for the Scudetto.
“We’ve got one game left in 2021, then we look forward to these exciting clashes in January.”