Locatelli thanks Allegri but urges Juventus to make more key changes

Manuel Locatelli thanks ex-Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri but insists the Bianconeri must change their playing style next season through ‘organisation’ and ‘ball possession.’

The Italian midfielder spoke to DAZN after a 3-3 draw against Bologna.

The Old Lady completed an incredible comeback. Thiago Motta’s side dominated for 70 minutes, taking a three-goal lead, but the Bianconeri scored three goals in eight minutes securing a vital point at the Dall’Ara.

“It’s better to talk about the reaction, because if we speak about the first half…as always, we must be balanced and objective,” said Locatelli.

“The first half was unacceptable. Of course, a [Coppa Italia] Final takes energy away from you, but we can’t play like that. At the end of the day, we collected a draw and it’s not a coincidence.”

The last one was a troubled week for Juventus. They did win the Coppa Italia, their first trophy in three years, but saw Allegri leave the club after his breakdowns in Rome.

Allegri was sacked by Juventus due to his behaviour. He had a year left in his contract with the Old Lady.

“I think this season has to finish because it was difficult for everyone, but in the end, we won the Coppa Italia. This is the reality,” said Locatelli.

“First of all, it was a relief to win the first trophy. Winning is all that matters at Juventus and we did it so this was an important step and a starting point. Of course, we all lived through what happened very closely. [Sacking Allegri] It was a decision from the club, we must thank the coach [Allegri] because he gave us a lot. We focused more on the victory because one must enjoy the good moments.”

There had been growing reports over the last few months that Juventus would have sacked Allegri anyway. Did these rumours influence the players?

“No, because, regardless of rumours about the coach, there are speculations about each one of us every day, so if we listen to everything they say, we no longer live,” admitted Locatelli.

“We must be calm, have balance, talk between us and talk to the club.

“One loves or hates Juventus. The others hate Juventus; those who love it are just we, Juventini. Surely we should have done better after games against Inter and Empoli.”

Locatelli thanks Allegri but urges Juventus to make more key changes

DAZN pundit Massimo Ambrosini asked Locatelli where he thinks Juventus should start next season, and the reply was very honest.

“We must be objective and try to play more and keep the ball,” he said.

“I think it is important for my characteristics to keep the ball. I am not blaming anyone, but it’s a fact that in some games, we made many technical errors, so this had an impact because when you don’t have the ball, you must run to win back possession. When the others have the ball and are organised, you struggle more because you get irritated with your teammates and it’s not good. So you must be organised, keep the ball more and make better decisions in the game. We must start from here.”

Lastly, Locatelli was asked his thoughts on Thiago Motta’s Bologna.

“I am a football enthusiast and I watch many games. Congratulations to Bologna and their coach, who has built an important environment,” he said.

“I want to mention Mihajlovic as well because I think he built the foundation for this Bologna and they’ve reached this result for him as well. So congratulations to them.”