Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri doesn’t think Paulo Dybala would have changed the ‘blackout’ at Milan and feels ‘consistency and order’ can help the Old Lady control the game against Atalanta on Saturday.
The Bianconeri take on high-flying Atalanta in Serie A this weekend and Sarri expects Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to offer a real handful.
Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri doesn’t think Paulo Dybala would have changed the ‘blackout’ at Milan and feels ‘consistency and order’ can help the Old Lady control the game against Atalanta on Saturday.
The Bianconeri take on high-flying Atalanta in Serie A this weekend and Sarri expects Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to offer a real handful.
“It’s an important phase of the season and Atalanta are doing very well, they have a great record, especially away from home,” Sarri said at a press conference. “They’re a difficult team to face.
Paulo Dyabala was out in the 4-2 defeat to Milan but Sarri claims the attacker probably wouldn’t have prevented the ‘blackout’ in the second half.
“He’s an extraordinary player but given the blackout that we had halfway through the second half, I would say we would [have lost with Dybala on the pitch too].”
Sarri claims today’s Champions League draw doesn’t affect Juventus’ preparations for the Atalanta match.
“Right now, we have only thought about the championship, then we can look at Lyon.”
Douglas Costa looks set to start on the bench against La Dea too, after having contributed towards the end of the matches after the resumption.
“In recent games we have felt he’s an important addition to the ongoing games.
“Atalanta are aggressive and press high up the pitch. From the physical point of view, they have important speed. It’s a difficult match in all aspects and we must take everything into account.”
Sarri calls for consistency from his Old Lady players, hopes ‘to see order’ in the ranks on Saturday and wants to put the Milan defeat to bed.
“Consistency will be important. I see that at this moment, all the teams struggle in their performances over a lengthy period.
“I would like to see order, because in the moment you risk losing control of the game, it’s an important aspect.
“It’s time to look ahead, since the blackout came in the final period of the season.”
Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro are still recovering from injuries and the former has a longer way to get back in shape, according to the coach.
“They are different situations. Alex Sandro stopped for 10 days and therefore his return to the group is quicker.
“Giorgio had a different journey, he has some problems after the break because staying at home caused him some problems, he needs a longer recovery.”
Gonzalo Higuain was substituted in the second half against his former club but Sarri doesn’t think the Argentine forward disagreed about the decision.
“I don’t think he was angry about the change, he played 60 minutes and it was logical to change. He’s getting better, he managed to do something decent, I think he’s improved compared to a few weeks ago.”