Max Allegri lost his temper at Sky Sport Italia after Juventus were held 0-0 by Genoa. ‘I am a coach, I do not follow what the public says or dare tell a journalist how to do his job.’
The Bianconeri had gone into a training retreat to prepare for this match, hoping to set aside the problems that had been evident in the last few matches.
However, there was no improvement, as although Samuel Iling-Junior and Moise Kean thumped the upright, they ended the 0-0 draw against Genoa down to 10 men, as Dusan Vlahovic received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.
“There was a little tension in the first half due to the importance of the match, the need to win, so we were a bit blocked. It was a better second half, we had several good opportunities, did not allow Genoa any shots on goal, so we must take the positives from this performance,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is a difficult moment, but the attitude as a team was better than recent games.”
Juve have won only one of their last eight Serie A games, picking up a total seven points.
“It must not create tension, only a sense of responsibility, because we need to earn this place in the Champions League and if I’m not wrong we need 11 points from nine games to lock that down. We must keep believing in what we are doing.”
This means Juve could drop further behind Milan in second place, but also Bologna close the gap to just five points.
Allegri had been shouting angrily even during the first half at Federico Chiesa and Filip Kostic, who were eventually substituted amid grumbles from the fans. Is he not open to using Kenan Yildiz along with Chiesa and Vlahovic in a more attack-minded formation?
“I ask for them, like the others, to have a good performance. Kean is better at playing between the lines, but at that moment Chiesa and Kostic were a little tired, so we needed those characteristics.
“Anything is possible, but the problem is that we need to get results. We have an objective to be achieved, to get back into the Champions League, and we need to get it. We are struggling at this moment and must avoid creating further confusion.”
When Allegri was further pressed on the fact he refuses to change the 3-5-2 system and is effectively using Chiesa – a winger – as a makeshift striker, the coach lost his temper.
“We are third in the table. Do you know how to be a coach? I don’t know how to be a journalist. I do not follow what the public says, I do what is right for the team. I do not dare tell a journalist how to do his job. So don’t tell me how to do mine.
“How did we get 46 points in the first 19 rounds? It’s the same answer. If you ask me a more intelligent question, then I will give a more intelligent answer. Seeing as I am a coach who works for Juventus, I have a target to achieve. I am disappointed the results aren’t coming at the moment, everyone makes mistakes, but I make choices for the good of the team. I have never followed the public mood.
“Your job is to ask me questions, then there are those who understand and those who don’t. I don’t know if this team becomes weak with more strikers. I only know my role is to take it into the top four and we are on track for that.
“Maybe I’m wrong not to use three strikers, maybe I’m right. I am pleased with what the lads did today and it’s a good launching off point for the next nine matches.”
Meanwhile, Vlahovic – who just returned from suspension – will be banned at least for the next match with Lazio, who are already missing injured Arkadiusz Milik.
“Unfortunately, he made a mistake and will be fined. I didn’t say anything to him.”