Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri quotes Giannis Antetokounmpo’s answer about failure and insists journalists have ‘a lot of imagination’ when the Bianconeri lose.
The Serie A giants have lost three consecutive Serie A matches for the first time since 2010 and were eliminated from the Coppa Italia semis on Wednesday.
Allegri is under fire and looked irritable during a press conference on Saturday, on the eve of a Serie A match against Bologna.
“What we have to do now is remain quiet, as we already did in other difficult moments this season,” he said as quoted by Ilbianconero.
“We have to work and do. You are on the wrong side when you don’t win in football, so now we have to react.”
There are reports that some Juventus players are not happy with the management of the Italian tactician while Gazzetta reported on Thursday that the Italian tactician had insulted Inter directors after Wednesday’s loss in Coppa Italia.
“There was no confrontation with the players,” insisted Allegri.
“What happened? Why? Who reported it? Tell me the names, now we only have to focus on tomorrow’s game.
“People have a lot of imagination and when Juventus lose many false things are said. The other day, I heard Giannis talking about failure. There will be moments when we don’t win, but we need to create the conditions to do it. Only one team wins and we need to be that team.”
Allegri refereed to a post-match press conference from NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier this week, after elimination from playoffs. Allegri would mention Giannis also at the end of his presser on Saturday.
“We still have a target to play for in the league, we want to reach the top four, hopefully, finish second to improve the result of last season,” the Juventus boss continued. “The target is always to get to March-April with something to play for and this season we made it.
“Our primary target is to play in the Champions League, we can do it and we’ll try to win Europa League.”
Asked about how he deals with pressure, Allegri replied: “I have fun, I like everyone and it’s amusing. Think about when I will be no longer here, you’ll have to target someone else. To me, it’s stimulating.
“I was aware of Juventus’ problems when I returned. Last season people saw us as a title contender until we lost to Inter,” continued the coach.
“We reached the Coppa Italia Final and lost the Supercoppa at minute 120. Many young players have emerged this season, but in life, things change depending on the perspective. I don’t have to defend myself, I just have to work as I’ve always done. Let’s see how this season ends.”
The 55-year-old lost his cool when asked whether he’d be satisfied with a top-four finish.
“You have to say that! I wasn’t satisfied when we were eliminated from the Champions League. What question is it? There are smarter questions. Write what you think. I believe in respect of fans and I thank them. I’ve always worked with honesty.
“There are difficulties. If at the end of the season, the results are not satisfying the club will decide. The coach is responsible for everything this is clear.
“You asked me a question: ‘Are you satisfied?’ I am satisfied when I win the title, the Champions League, the Coppa Italia, but it’s impossible. Otherwise, I have to mention Giannis’ press conference again.
“Are you satisfied if you’ll be here asking questions again next season? I am asking you. If you’ll be here again, it means you have failed? Now, I can’t tell you if I am satisfied because there are 35 days before the end of the season.
“Napoli have won the title, one will win the Champions League, one Europa League and one Coppa Italia, so the others have failed.
“Now I am serene, it’s an amusing situation, what you are writing not so much. If we don’t win anything in 35 days it means Allegri is not good enough. We need to win tomorrow, the rest doesn’t count.”