Dusan Vlahovic admits it was ‘difficult’ to accept Massimiliano Allegri’s decision to bench him against Frosinone, but he ‘accepted it’ with no problems: ‘The most important thing is to be always ready.’
Vlahovic was introduced in the second half of Juventus‘ away game at Frosinone and was decisive for the Old Lady, scoring the winner with less than 10 minutes remaining.
“In that goal, there was a desire to win and a desire to help the team and make the fans happy,” the Serbia international told DAZN.
“Surely, it’s not easy for a striker to not score or to not score consistently, but I am calm. I work daily to help the team, and I hope to help even more.”
How did he take Allegri’s decision to bench him?
“Surely, it wasn’t easy for me to accept the coach’s decision, and I did respect his choice. Given the way he speaks every day, those who are introduced are as important as those who start, especially with five substitutions,” said the Juventus star.
“It’s almost like two games in one. I was calm before I had worked well during the week, so I only tried to help the team. I wasn’t angry or anything, I knew I could be decisive even from the bench, so I was calm. There are no problems.
“Honestly, I’ve always remained calm because you can’t change what happened in the past,” he continued.
“One must live in the present and train to do well in the future. Sometimes things go well, other times they don’t. The most important thing is to be always ready and focused. I’ve worked every day for this with the team’s and the coach’s help. However, the game is over and I am focused on the next match now.”
Does he enjoy playing with Arek Milik?
“I am not saying it is easier, it’s nice to play with everyone, we are different players, but sometimes I have more space with Arek. We play well together,” he replied.
Vlahovic has now scored six goals in 15 appearances this season, so what can he do to be even more consistent?
“I’ve never asked myself this. This is the situation currently,” he admitted.
“I had scored against Inter, I missed a penalty against Monza and I had a chance with Napoli. There are these moments, but I am calm, it was important to score today and help the team. I want to continue because I know the team needs my goals. I always try to be available and do what the coach and the team want.”
Vlahovic had not taken a penalty kick in the previous game against Genoa, letting his teammate Federico Chiesa take it. Will he return taking penalties for Juve?
“For sure I will,” he replied.
“I let Chiesa take the penalty the other day, we had talked before the game, and I had told him not to worry because he would have taken it. It’s not because I wasn’t calm. I think he needed it.
“We are friends, and he deserves to score too. Sometimes I am happier when he scores than when I score. I have missed two penalties, but I will step up again. It’s all part of the training and I am convinced I will do well.”
Juventus are now just one point below table leaders Inter, but the Nerazzurri have a game in hand and will host Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare at 17:00 GMT today.