Juventus Coach Max Allegri has explained the importance of Champions League progression, and reflects on the point in Florence.
Tomorrow's game against Atletico Madrid will determine whether the Bianconeri are to qualify for the Last 16 of the competition.
However, faced with potential comparisons with predecessor Antonio Conte, the Coach has argued in today's Press conference that it remains an objective for the team as a whole.
Juventus Coach Max Allegri has explained the importance of Champions League progression, and reflects on the point in Florence.
Tomorrow's game against Atletico Madrid will determine whether the Bianconeri are to qualify for the Last 16 of the competition.
However, faced with potential comparisons with predecessor Antonio Conte, the Coach has argued in today's Press conference that it remains an objective for the team as a whole.
“Everything is at stake for everyone, because I'm part of Juventus and I think that for Juventus reaching the Last 16 is fundamental,” explained Allegri.
“So let's wait for tomorrow evening when the referee will kick off the game and then we'll play.
“It's certainly going to be a good game in terms of intensity, and from the technical point of view, because we'll have to try and win while they're going to be defending the first place.”
Midfielder Claudio Marchisio was rested for the last game against Fiorentina, but Allegri assured the Press that this was an exception.
“I think Claudio [Marchisio] played almost all of the games for Juventus and for the national team,” said Allegri.
“I don't know the exact number, but certainly he played a lot of games. I think that the match in Florence was the first that I kept him on the bench.
“As for the other players, I don't like to talk about turnover. I think this team has an important squad that lets me change things according to the game and the moment.
“Not to mention that we play once every three days and thinking of covering the whole season with 11 players is practically impossible if you want to keep up a certain intensity.
“In the end you risk paying the price for it.
“Besides I think that the individual qualities of these players are important, so when two or three players are changed the team shouldn't suffer any kind of trauma.
“On the contrary, the team must stay the same from technical and tactical point of view.”
Allegri also took the opportunity to discuss the disappointing 0-0 draw against Fiorentina on Friday evening.
“To begin with the game in Florence was very difficult.
“Partly out of necessity, and partly because of the way I'd envisioned the game, we ended up with two teams that faced each other using the same system, which makes it harder to create chances.
“In the end I think we play to win in every game, but I'd say that point in Florence, which we gained in the way that we did, was a very important point.
“In terms of the team's performance we conceded very little from the defensive point of view, but we made too many mistakes in the last pass and the choices for the last play, that's true.
“Maybe there could have been some more favourable situations, but I must agree that it was the first game in which we did not create very much.”
The tactician was also asked for an opinion on Atletico's Coach Diego Simeone, who is being touted as a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or Coaches’ award.
“I think he's doing a great job,” Allegri agreed. “I think that winning La Liga isn't easy against two colossi like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“Going all the way to the final of a Champions League is no small feat either.
“I think that Simeone is one among three or four people who is doing an excellent job.
“He deserves it, [Carlo] Ancelotti deserves it for the excellent results he's achieving with Real Madrid.
“The Coach of the German national team deserves it too. So we'll see who goes on to win the Golden Ball for coaching.
“But these are three Coaches that really deserve credit for the work they've done so far.”