Ivan Juric felt Hellas Verona “dominated” Milan at San Siro until “the red card changed the game, but the lads showed heart" for the 1-1 draw.
The Scaligeri had gone in front with Marco Davide Faraoni, Hakan Calhanoglu’s free kick drew level and then Sofyan Amrabat was shown a straight red card.
Ivan Juric felt Hellas Verona “dominated” Milan at San Siro until “the red card changed the game, but the lads showed heart" for the 1-1 draw.
The Scaligeri had gone in front with Marco Davide Faraoni, Hakan Calhanoglu’s free kick drew level and then Sofyan Amrabat was shown a straight red card.
“I think we dominated, hit the woodwork twice and scored the opening goal. The red card changed the game, but the lads fought hard and showed heart, so I still feel as if it’s an earned point rather than two dropped,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Verona bamboozled the Milan defence with a False 9 system, using Mattia Zaccagni, Valerio Verre and Matteo Pessina upfront.
“This is only the second time we have played like this, when trying not to give the opposition any clear reference points to defend against. Those three move around a lot and it can be an advantage in certain situations, but not used all the time.”
Amrabat has had a complicated week, as he signed a contract to join Fiorentina next summer for €20m, while Amir Rrahmani has already penned a deal with Napoli.
“There was a little tension, as is only natural, because they are going to stronger clubs and signing massive contracts compared to the other players. Of course, they wanted to get these moves done, but they also wanted to help Verona before taking that next step. I don’t get the feeling they’ll lose motivation.”
Verona are on 30 points after 21 rounds, as they have a game in hand to play against Lazio, but Juric isn’t shifting his targets.
“We have to secure safety and are concentrated only on that. We know that things can change sometimes, but in this case, we don’t want the humility to change. We haven’t achieved our objective yet and must keep focused.
“The idea is to get as many points as possible and then we’ll see.”
Juric was asked about his future at Hellas Verona or if a bigger club will come knocking.
“There is an option for the contract to extend for another year. The club has always been clear with me on our objectives and financial status, so my eyes are only on safety.
“I am perfectly relaxed, there’s no pressure and I am in no hurry to go anywhere.”