Max Allegri assures Juventus will ‘wait’ for Paul Pogba to recover from his latest injury, but also warns they’ll aim to ‘compete for the top places’ rather than win the Scudetto next season.
The Bianconeri were able to push past Cremonese 2-0 this evening with goals from Nicolò Fagioli and Gleison Bremer, allowing them to consolidate second place and create a comfortable gap from the chasing pack for the top four.
However, the victory was overshadowed by yet another injury for Pogba, who had his first start in 390 days – since Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool in April 2022 – and it lasted just over 20 minutes.
The initial reports from the Juventus medical staff are that it is a quadricep issue in the left thigh, so this is muscular rather than the knee that underwent surgery.
“We are all disappointed, especially as he was doing very well. It’s sad as he made so many sacrifices to recover, now has to stop again after feeling that pain in the quadricep,” Allegri told DAZN.
“Paul is a grown man, he has broad shoulders and can get over this too. It’s only natural there are risks after barely playing for a year and when making the first start, that is going to increase the probability of getting hurt. He was doing well, we are sad, but will wait for him.”
The focus is already on the Europa League semi-final against Sevilla, as the first leg ended 1-1 with a last-gasp Federico Gatti header, meaning it is all to play for.
“Seasons do not depend on a single match. We will face a team that has won six Europa League trophies, we’ll do everything possible to win and also to remain second in the Serie A table.
“It was not an easy match, as Cremonese defended well, though we should’ve moved the ball around quicker and we did that better in the second half.”
Allegri was asked if he has already chosen the starting XI for the second leg of the Europa League against Sevilla on Thursday.
“I have not thought of anything, I will decide at the last minute. When we leave on Wednesday, I will have clearer ideas on everyone’s condition,” said the coach.
“Sevilla are on home turf and it won’t be easy, so we must stay calm, clear-headed and focused. We had started quite well in the first leg, then the goal destabilised us and it took us a while to recover. In the second half, Sevilla lost intensity and we stepped it up, creating numerous chances, so that could all happen again in the next match.”
This is the third consecutive game in all competition where Juventus scored decisive goals in the second half.
“It means the team is doing better physically, as we saw more intensity and above all the vertical passes in the second half.”
Juventus are planning for the future and after three years without the Scudetto, will they be competing for the title next term?
“We have to take it one step at a time. Despite everything, we have been able to consolidate the top four and getting second place on the field, that will be an improvement over last year. As for next season, I believe there’s still something to go for Juventus to win, as six or seven players were introduced this term from the Next Gen team and that takes time.
“It’s possible we will start well and quickly find the right alchemy, it might not. We will start the season aiming to compete for the top places, but don’t want to put too much pressure on the shoulders of some very young and inexperienced players.”
“Pogba didn’t think he was going to play today and I surprised him with this. He doesn’t have 90 minutes, but I would be very happy if he managed a full half in good shape.” – Allegri before the match, deliberately ruining Pogba`s career