Adrien Rabiot did not mince his words when discussing the Juventus defeat to Lazio, calling the first half performance ‘shameful’ and implying his future is still up in the air.
The midfielder had been able to score the temporary equaliser at the Stadio Olimpico by bundling over the line when Ivan Provedel parried the Gleison Bremer header, cancelling out the Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opener.
However, Mattia Valoti finished off a fine team move to give Lazio the 2-1 victory.
“We were too sluggish at the start and didn’t win any duels, we just kept losing the ball. It was much better after the break, but it’s not difficult to improve on that, because the first half was shameful,” Rabiot told DAZN.
“I can’t explain it. We reacted when we conceded the goal and created chances in the second half, but it wasn’t enough.”
The France international is having his best season at club level, as this was his eighth Serie A goal of the campaign, 10 in all competition.
“Yes, it is my best season and I have improved a great deal, especially the last two years working with Allegri. I am working hard to score goals, but also dominate the midfield in attacking and defensive phases.
“I have a different role at Juve and enjoy it more, as I get to push forward and the coach asks me to get near the penalty area. These are my characteristics. However, there are many attacking players for France, so I am needed more in a balancing role there.”
Rabiot’s contract with Juventus is due to expire on June 30 and there has been talk of a potential return to PSG or move to the Premier League, where he had already been close to Manchester United last summer.
Just as the Bianconeri fans are starting to appreciate him, the 28-year-old seems ready to move on.
“I always tried to give my best from the first day, but I know what football is like. If you score a goal, everyone loves you, and if you don’t then you suck. It’s only natural that by scoring goals and providing assists, you get more support and love.”
Is Rabiot going to sign a new contract with Juventus or walk away as a free agent?
“I don’t know yet, we have to discuss it with the club.”