Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri insists Paul Pogba must play ‘more games’ to get back in shape and warns his players about Cremonese: ‘We can’t think about Europa League.’
The Tuscan tactician spoke to the media on Saturday on the eve of a Serie A match against Cremonese at the Allianz Stadium.
“Davide Ballardini is doing an excellent job, Cremonese would be safe in the second part of the season. These are the most dangerous games,” Allegri said, as quoted by Ilbianconero.com.
“We can’t talk earlier, otherwise, we hurt ourselves. Thursday’s match is as important as tomorrow’s.”
The Bianconeri will visit Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, but the Bianconeri boss has his eyes set on the upcoming Serie A fixture. Allegri will be without the injured Leonardo Bonucci, but Adrien Rabiot is available despite picking up a knock against Sevilla on Thursday.
“[Mattia] Perin will play, Gleison Bremer is fit, Rabiot has trained separately like all those who played on Thursday, but he will be there,” the coach confirmed.
“We can’t think about Thursday, tomorrow is the most important game and we have to beat Cremonese.”
Pogba played 25 minutes against Sevilla but is still not ready to start.
“He is improving, he played well for 25 minutes,” argued Allegri.
“He needs to play more games to get back in shape, he can be decisive in the final third and we’ve often spoken about it. The most important thing now is that he’s available. With games every three days, it’s difficult to recover and play an entire match.
“We’re in an excellent mood, even more after the goal against Sevilla. We must remain in the top four in Serie A and defend the second place. We’ve fulfilled our duties on the pitch, what happens outside should not concern us.”
Allegri has a contract until June 2025 and was asked his thoughts on the future, including the imminent appointment of a new sporting director with Napoli‘s Giuntoli seen as the leading candidate by Italian media.
“For now, we need to get to June 4 in the best conditions, trying to reach the Europa League Final and remain in the top four in Serie A,” said Allegri.
“Other decisions are up to the club, the future, the sporting director and the players.”
Leonardo Bonucci suffered a thigh injury against Sevilla and Allegri hopes the Italy international will return before the end of the season.
“He reached a historic milestone the other night, he deserved these 500 appearances. Unfortunately, he’s had some injuries, but he’s always been there. Credit to him. We hope he can return as quickly as possible, the prognosis is 20 days [out].”