Massimiliano Allegri says that Leonardo Bonucci is available but may start on the bench against Villareal and explains why he ‘must protect’ Dusan Vlahovic, who will make his Champions League debut tomorrow.
The Italian tactician previewed tomorrow’s European clash at a press conference in Turin before Juventus‘ trip to Spain. Juventus picked up a 1-1 draw against Torino on Friday, causing criticism for the Tuscan tactician. Vlahovic failed to find the net and was subbed off in the second half.
“It was a hard-fought game. During a season, there are some matches where you don’t have many opportunities, but Juventus played a good game,” said Allegri.
“We’ve turned into title contenders in twenty days, but balance is needed. We need to take a step at a time and be calm.
“Twenty days ago, we were the same team as yesterday. Vlahovic makes his Champions League debut tomorrow, we can’t put all the pressure on him.
“He must be supported and I must protect him until the end, as I protected players with less experience,” the coach added.
“It’s not just a technical question, but also psychological. For the first time, he read an entire page on a newspaper asking why he hadn’t scored. It had never happened before,
“We’ve begun a new year together, there are new players, but we can expect instant results. The path is excellent, clearly, we don’t play to be eliminated, we play to win. I understand that in your job [talking to journalists] you need to give judgements after every game. You may write two opposite things in the space of three days, but I need to give balance and stability.”
Leonardo Bonucci trained with the team this morning, while Adrien Rabiot sustained a slight injury during the session at Continassa, but both players are available and will travel to Spain.
“Bonucci trained with us and didn’t feel pain. Having him available is already a great achievement,” said Allegri.
“He could be introduced if needed. Surely he will return on Saturday,” Allegri explained.
“Luca Pellegrini will return, Rabiot is available.”
Aside from Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt is the only other centre-back available, given Daniele Rugani and Giorgio Chiellini’s injuries. If the Italy international doesn’t start against Villareal, then Danilo will play at centre-back close to De Ligt.
Paulo Dybala will also miss the game in Spain due to a flexor problem, so Allegri will need to change his attacking trio.
“It’s an important absence, Morata and Vlahovic will surely start, then I need to take decisions in midfield, I have some doubts. Arthur or Locatelli, Zakaria, McKennie ad Rabiot. I need to decide between them.
“The team has improved mentally. As Morata said, we would have lost against Torino three months ago. Tomorrow we have a nice game to play, we need to do the right things when we have the ball.
“The environment has changed, this team has qualified for the Round of 16 in the last eight years. The first target is to go beyond the group stage. Otherwise, you have no chance to win.
“At this stage, we must be good and lucky. It’s a difficult game tomorrow, despite what many think. Villareal are well-coached, they are an excellent team. We need to play well as a team.”