Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo shoulders the blame and said the Bianconeri ‘are angry’ after the 3-0 defeat to Milan. ‘My duty is to make the players perform’.
The Old Lady risk losing out on a place in the Champions League next term, as they sit fifth in Serie A after 35 games.
But Pirlo vowed to push for a positive run-in and wants to start with a good performance against Sassuolo to help their fight for a place in the top four.
Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo shoulders the blame and said the Bianconeri ‘are angry’ after the 3-0 defeat to Milan. ‘My duty is to make the players perform’.
The Old Lady risk losing out on a place in the Champions League next term, as they sit fifth in Serie A after 35 games.
But Pirlo vowed to push for a positive run-in and wants to start with a good performance against Sassuolo to help their fight for a place in the top four.
“I don’t want to see resignation tomorrow, we are a point behind the Champions League places and we have three games left,” Pirlo said at a press conference.
“Football teaches that anything can happen, so we need great postitivity.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the Allianz Stadium is uncertain, but the Portuguese could be decisive in the Champions League battle.
“Cristiano played many games this year and scored a lot,” Pirlo continued. “Today, we will decide what to do.
“Tomorrow is a delicate match and I hope to have everyone available. Our target is to prove that we deserve the Champions League, and we can only do it with the results.
“We were disappointed after the defeat to Milan, but our target doesn’t change. We have a duty to believe in it.”
“Grit is a word that is often used in football, but it’s not enough to win. I have always asked to have the burning fire inside, and it has often happened.”
Pirlo stressed he has struggled with injuries and COVID this season.
“In recent months, the formation has often changed,” Pirlo said. “But it’s due to many reasons, including injuries and COVID.
“We have accepted all circumstances. I don’t have any fear, I only think about the good of Juventus, which comes first of all, ahead of players and coaches.”
The coach confirmed Brazilian duo Danilo and Arthur Melo will be available against Sassuolo.
“Both Danilo and Arthur Melo are fine, tomorrow they could start,” he said. “We conceded many goals due to collective neglect.
“A collective pride test is needed tomorrow, regardless of who will play. We have to honour this jersey, we can’t afford performances like the one on Sunday.”
Pirlo wants to see a response from the Bianconeri against Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
“There’s a lot of energy in me and us. We are angry,” Pirlo said. “We have a duty to believe in it, because we are Juventus, and we cannot resign ourselves to this position.
“My duty is to make the players I have available perform at their best, based on their characteristics."