Massimiliano Allegri was pleased with Juventus’ tour in the United States but noted how there’s ‘a long way to go’ to start talking about the Scudetto.
The Bianconeri have now returned from a two-week tour to the US, where they faced Milan and Real Madrid in friendlies, drawing against the former and beating the latter. They were also scheduled to play Barcelona, but the match was called off due to a bout of illness in the Blaugrana squad.
Juventus will not take part in European competition next season, leaving them with just Serie A and the Coppa Italia to fight for, generating some belief in the fans that the team could go all the way in the title race.
Speaking on page four of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri first reflected on Juventus’ pre-season tour in the US.
“For what we have done in the United States, I must say that the team has worked well. Against Real Madrid it was good training against a strong team, who have technique and physique, but we still have to improve in many things, first of all the athletic condition.
“Overall, I’m happy because we finished this American tour well.”
He touched on the team’s work to improve their overall fitness and stamina.
“It’s true, we’ve grown in terms of physical condition and it’s normal that this is the case because we’re getting closer to the start of the season, but also in terms of awareness.
“We have begun a journey and we must continue like this, this victory against Real Madrid gives us self-esteem, but at the same time we must remain serene and calm because the matches that count will start on August 20.”
The Juventus coach discussed Dusan Vlahovic, who came off the bench to score against Real Madrid.
“I’m very happy for him, before the match we decided together that he would come on the bench and play for fifteen minutes.
“Dusan wasn’t very convinced, but he was useful. Vlahovic came on well, apart from the goal he played well technically and extended the team.”
Allegri commented on the integration of new signing Timothy Weah.
“Timo, against Real Madrid, was a little more tired, but he is a boy who has good qualities and who will be very useful to the team throughout the season. McKennie also played a good game, I’m happy with his performance.”
He spoke about their desire to work on intensity, a high defensive line and build-up play.
“These are things we’ve always done, but this year we have the advantage of playing one game a week and I think this team needs five days to be able to work, especially to improve self-esteem and in building up in the game. However…
“We still have to understand that there are moments in the match when we have to slow down. Against Real Madrid, for example, we lost too many free balls, and we can improve on this. But I see great attention and a great desire to do well in the boys.”
He was asked to give a rating to their tour in the US.
“You don’t give ratings, but we did a good job and I’m happy above all for the spirit that the team had. We have many young players up to it, slowly they will grow, some will go to play elsewhere since we will only have one game a week.
“Having a squad with too many players can be harmful for those who will have less space. We need to find the right path for these guys who have important qualities.
“Unfortunately, we are out of the European cups despite having finished third last season and we would have had the right to participate in the Champions League.
“We have to do without it and we have to be more focused on the league, to make sure we’re back in the Champions League in 2024-25.”
He was also asked if the Bianconeri could be considered one of the favourites for the Scudetto next season.
“Talking about the Scudetto now makes no sense, we have started a journey, we need to work and nobody here is holding back.
“I’m in my eighth year on the Bianconeri bench and since I’ve been here I’ve never said that we won’t fight to win the Scudetto, also because you can’t afford to do that at Juventus.
“You have to start with ambitions to get the most out, as has always been the case in the history of this club. Then if we are good in March we will see, but we will certainly have a long way to go.”
Finally, Allegri discussed who would be the vice-captain to Danilo.
“Alex Sandro and Rabiot. When the former doesn’t play, it will be the latter’s turn, because Adrien should rise in the hierarchies.”