Maximiliano Allegri gave his thoughts on Juventus’ friendly draw with Standard Liege, the legacy of Pele and the Bianconeri’s work this season.
The Old Lady were held to a 1-1 draw by their Belgian opponents in today’s friendly at the Allianz Stadium, their last before the restart of Serie A next week. Juventus’ first game of 2023 is against Cremonese on January 4 and later in the month they’ll face Napoli and Atalanta.
A key boost to the squad will be the returns of Paul Pogba and Federico Chiesa, both of whom have been sidelined with injury and low match fitness.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Allegri first discussed Brazil legend Pele.
“A unique player, I have only seen him in films, but in addition to being a footballer also as a person he should be remembered as an example for the younger ones. Later along Maradona and Messi came, but I think he was the best.”
He then touched on Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Standard Liege.
“In the first half we struggled a bit, there were many players at their first friendly. We went at a slow pace, they pressed us, then we made a mistake on the goal.
“The boys did well, overall it was good practice. The goal served to give us a wake-up call ahead of Cremonese, in the first half the ball was traveling too slowly.”
The Italian coach commented on the health of his players.
“Chiesa is fine, he can be available for Cremona, let’s see. He had a good training with the team, today he worked separately but the conditions are good.
“Vlahovic has a good chance of recovery although obviously not for Cremona. Bonucci is still stuck in the pits, De Sciglio should recover but not for Cremona, I don’t think. We have a chance to have them all within ten days, however the guys are all good.”
Allegri spoke about some tactical considerations ahead of the Cremonese clash.
“In Cremona we have to play a serious game. On the right side Soulé can also play in addition to Aké, McKennie can also play, we also have Barbieri, we have a few solutions.”
He touched on the team’s goals this season.
“We are working well. Then the good has to be turned into better. Without results the rest is all talk. Juventus have maximum goals, especially in the second half of the season.
“We have a minimum of 26 games and we have to get to the maximum of 36, then going to the finals of the Coppa Italia and Europa League.”
Finally, Allegri reflected on his second spell with Juventus and how things have gone so far.
“I don’t even remember what it was like with all those ups and downs. The 2022 was a very good year until the challenge with Inter in the league, then we lost the Coppa Italia final.
“This year in the league we are doing well, we have a chance to consolidate a place in the Champions League, that’s our minimum goal. One small step at a time.
“The positive thing about this second part of 2022, is that with the injury of Pogba and other great players we were waiting for and didn’t get, there have been so many good young players who have helped us and are added values.
“We have six or seven of them, some even out like Rovella, Ranocchia or De Winter. In all situations you have to identify opportunities, Juventus have succeeded by launching young players.”