Max Allegri assured Arturo Vidal is “a fundamental player” for Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus and expects better against Cesena.
Max Allegri assured Arturo Vidal is “a fundamental player” for Juventus and expects better against Cesena.
The new Coach lost his first game since replacing Antonio Conte, falling 3-2 to amateur side Lucento, and takes on newly-promoted Serie A team Cesena on Wednesday.
“That defeat with Lucento hit the headlines, but tomorrow is a completely different game,” insisted Allegri in his Press conference.
“Our training only began on Monday morning and we haven’t yet reached an acceptable fitness level.
“All the players will come to Cesena, even the internationals. I have at my disposal a group of players who immediately realised how to optimise the time at our disposal.”
There are numerous stories circulating, particularly in Chile, that Vidal is ready to join Manchester United for €60m (approximately £48m).
“I spoke to Vidal to understand his fitness levels. He is motivated, so club and Coach are very happy he will remain in Turin.
“He had surgery just 32 days before the World Cup, so will train on a special schedule for a few days. Vidal is fundamental for Juventus and not just in practical terms and he wants to stay.”
The Serie A fixture list pits Allegri against his old club Milan at San Siro just three rounds into the new season.
“It will be intriguing, also because it’s a challenge between two teams who want the Scudetto. It’s going to be a difficult season, so for me and the lads it would be important to win.
“I come back to San Siro as an opponent, having spent three and a half exciting years there. Last year Milan were very unlucky, but they and Inter will be back in the Scudetto race.”
The internationals only arrived from their post-World Cup vacations on Monday, including Andrea Pirlo, who left Milan because he was not in Allegri’s plans.
“I saw them motivated. I am new to this environment was catapulted into it from one day to the next, so I’m still trying to get a handle on everything. We’ve only got a month to achieve that.
“Pirlo? We already spoke 10 days ago. We are professionals.”