Max Allegri says Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus must keep focus on Malmo as ‘there are no easy games in Europe’, and again dismisses importance on the formation.
Max Allegri says Juventus must keep focus on Malmo as ‘there are no easy games in Europe’, and again dismisses importance on the formation.
The Bianconeri start their Champions League campaign for the 2014-15 season at home to the Swedish side very much favourites to win, but with their Coach cautious, particularly in facing a Pressroom asking today about the quarter-finals as an objective.
“I believe that Juventus currently have the objective closest to them, which is to win this game, which will certainly not be easy,” Allegri has responded to reporters this afternoon.
“In Europe there are no easy games, all the teams play to get a result, because it is a very short competition, where you are not permitted to manage the outcome, where you can only try to win games.
“We have a group that is apparently simple, but even last year that was the case and Juventus were eliminated. This demonstrates that in Europe the group defined as easy isn’t always.
“Malmo are a team that are definitely ahead of us in terms of condition, because their championship is further ahead.
“They are a well organised team, who have physicality and speed as strengths, so we need to play a very careful game with great technique, with great speed and always having good defensive security.
“Tevez? He is fine, he had a good game [against Udinese], so tomorrow he will be available.”
Malmo are debuting at this stage of the Champions League, in UEFA’s initiative to ensure more Leagues are represented in the tournament proper.
“It’s important that there are teams here who have won their respective league titles and UEFA are correct.
“Everyone has the right to participate in the Champions League.”
The 47-year-old was asked if there would be a balancing act between Serie A and Europe.
“In football nothing is prohibitive although in Europe it is very difficult. Saturday the new signings have also done well and this will allow me to better manage energy in the season.
“We have to sustain every match at the same level regardless of the players used.”
Juve’s start to the season has been strong, and Allegri was asked if this was expected progress or ahead of schedule.
“I have found a group conscious to the fact that for after three years of consecutive wins it would be difficult to confirm again.
“The team has made themselves available and today we are playing pretty well, although there is room for improvement. If we improve as individuals, we will improve as a team.
“3-5-2 formation tomorrow? In the end, the system of play, whatever it is, is the interpretation that the Coach gives to it. Ours is a team that can improve and this does not depend on the formation.
“Tomorrow I will decide based on the condition of the players available.”
Allegri was asked his opinion on why this Juventus hasn’t yet impressed in the Champions League.
“From the outside, in the past year the group has been good, but they have paid for episodes. This is a great club, a great team, that should aim to be equal with the biggest in Europe, reaching the last eight.
“It will not be easy, we start from tomorrow, realising that the approach to Europe is different to that in Serie A.
“What are the differences? The games are different because the teams that you face always play to win. There is less tactics and more speed and you have to be good at reading the game.
“Am I more an Italian or European Coach? I would say Italian because in Europe I have not yet won anything. I still have to do a lot better with my team.”