Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that Paul Pogba is ‘fully available’ for Juventus’ home clash with Bologna and spoke about the new tactical direction.
The Bianconeri flew to an enjoyable 3-0 win away to Udinese in their 2023-24 season opener, exciting the fans with their more forward-thinking play. Belief is starting to grow in their possible Scudetto hopes this season, especially considering their lack of European commitments.
Juventus’ next test is against Bologna, who fell in a 2-0 home loss to Milan in their first match of the new campaign. Thiago Motta is hungry to see a response from his players in Turin.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first discussed the importance of getting off on the right foot in Juventus’ first home game.
“Important because it’s the first one in front of our fans. We want to play this game, the stadium will be full and we’ll have to be good at dragging them along with a good game.”
He was asked about the situation of Moise Kean, who has been heavily linked with a move away in recent days.
“Kean has never been out. He took a knock, absolutely nothing happened. He had a relapse after a knock, he’s available tomorrow. Market? There are six days left, I think we’ll stay like this.”
The Juventus coach also commented on Pogba’s position.
“He’s better, he had a good week of training. Tomorrow he’ll be fully available and can be used.”
Allegri touched on his squad choices against Bologna.
“Szczesny won’t be there, he received a knock and won’t be there. Perin will play. The other ten? I only have one doubt, I’ll decide tomorrow morning. Actually two, one in midfield and one on the wings…”
He weighed in on the new tactical direction of Juventus following their win over Udinese.
“There was too much enthusiasm after the first game. That’s fine. But we are at the beginning. We play tomorrow, that will be a good test. Against a Bologna that plays well, has good players in the offensive department.
“Against Milan they created a lot, 17 shots. If you don’t face them with the right attitude, playing a good game, you’re unlikely to bring it home. Enthusiasm is right, but we need calm.
“The norm will be to go back to winning as many games as possible. We must continue to work as we are doing, with desire, trying to improve team and individual situations.”
The Juventus coach provided an update on Leonardo Bonucci’s situation.
“With Leo we have already spoken, there is nothing to add. There’s no point, Leo knows the situation, Juventus have been clear and we’re moving forward on this.”
He was asked about the expectations for Juventus this season considering their lack of European commitments.
“Last year Juventus with all our problems came third. We have young players with less experience, we have to ride the enthusiasm without overdoing it.
“If we go with just enthusiasm, we can hurt ourselves, we have just started, we have to work calmly. Tomorrow we must try to beat Bologna and it won’t be easy, they will bother many this year.”
Allegri discussed the work of Saudi Arabian clubs in the transfer market this summer.
“I have no regrets, I signed a four-year contract and leaving this year after the team was changed by so many players didn’t suit me.
“Saudi Arabia is a reality, they do things well with top and average players. I’m not worried, the world is globalised now. You just have to watch and deal with it.”
He was asked if the Bianconeri were still on the right path.
“I’m not saying that things haven’t gone very well in the last two years. We have a different squad.
“We have to run a lot because the average age has gone down and every year, when we start, I give the team and staff directions on how to work according to the characteristics of the players we have available.”
The Bianconeri coach reflected on the last 30 minutes of their win over Udinese.
“We have to try to have better ball management and make better choices, we have to work on that. Udinese was a good win, but we have to improve in many things. We have to stay calm and quiet, we mustn’t get excited in victories nor get depressed in defeats.
“We must evaluate the team’s characteristics and improvements that have been and will be there. We must turn the fact that we won’t play every three days into an opportunity, that is, to be able to work during the week in a different way to what we are used to.”
He touched on if he expected Juventus’ quiet work in the market this summer.
“Ours is a good team with room for improvement, we have young players who can only improve. Giuntoli, Manna and I knew that there was little to do in the team.”
Allegri was asked if Juventus were ready for the season.
“It will be better if we do better than last year. Now to say we will win the Scudetto serves you but not us. We have to work and above all think about tomorrow against Bologna.”
He refused to talk about the collapse of the Romelu Lukaku talks.
“I’m not talking about the market. Vlahovic, Chiesa, Milik and Kean are four very good strikers.”
Finally, Allegri was asked if Lukaku’s possible move to Roma would change things in the title race.
“I don’t know if he’ll go to Roma, I only know that we have five strikers who I am very happy with. I can’t be the judge of what other teams do. When the market ends, we’ll have more clarity.”