The Bianconeri coach spoke on the eve of the match against Napoli: ‘The goal is to earn more points compared to the first half of the season last year.’
Max Allegri’s Juventus is gearing up to face Napoli, the reigning Italian champions, in a crucial match that can mean a place in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League. For Juventus the objective is to maintain pressure on the league leaders Inter: “Everyone will be available except Weah – the coach’s words in the press conference. There’s a lot of enthusiasm in these last weeks, but for us, it’s essential to keep our objectives in mind.
ALLEGI’S PRESS CONFERENCE
On tomorrow’s match against Napoli:
“It’s another direct clash, but we are only five from the end of the first half of the season. Then there will be another direct clash with Roma at home and three challenging away matches. The goal is to earn more points compared to the last year in the first half of the season. Last year we had 38, now we are at 33, and we need to surpass that threshold.”
On Pogba:
“I cannot respond to the prosecutor’s requests. We exchanged messages; we will wait for this situation to be resolved to see him again.”
On Locatelli:
“He’s doing well; apart from Weah, everyone is recovered.”
On Danilo:
“If he plays, he will play in the defense. Between him or Alex Sandro only one will play; Physically and mentally, however, we are all well. There’s enthusiasm in these last weeks, but for us, it’s essential to keep our objectives in mind we need to finish in the Top 4. We want to improve every day, but without getting carried away. Let’s take one step at a time.”
On Vlahovic:
“He is well, like everyone else; penalties are missed by those who take them.”
On Napoli:
“They are a team that has earned 17 points away; they have a very important record, and we have only won once in the last seven against them. It’s a dangerous game for us.”
On Gatti:
“Gatti is doing well, he is growing. Let’s not forget that three years ago, he was in Lega Pro. Now comes the difficult part: he has to confirm himself and improve like everyone else, but he has the opportunity to do so.”
On Cambiaso:
“He is intelligent and very good; right or left, it doesn’t matter to him. Actually, on the right, he might enter the field better and help us more when the game developes.”
On the differences from last year’s matches against Napoli:
“In Naples, we suffered a heavy defeat; they were riding on important numbers. We are on our own journey; we are a group with great values, always wanting to improve and play to beat the opponent every Sunday.”
On the 5-1 defeat in Naples last year:
“Last year there were many players in their first year, and the season wasn’t easy. All situations help you grow if you experience them in the right way. The boys were good; now there’s a group that works every day for certain results. With hard work and a bit lucky, we will achieve them.”
On what he expects from the team:
“I want them to continue with what they are doung so far: I want to see this desire to win every game; tomorrow will certainly be a beautiful game and certainly we want to win again.”
On the pressure not to let Inter run away:
“When you are at Juventus, you have to live with pressure; that’s the beauty of this job. Tomorrow the championship doesn’t end; the season is still long. The important thing is to maintain balance; it allows you to face both positive and negative moments.”
On the criticisms against Juve:
“Responding is useless; you have to do what you have to do, continue to work and bring home results; then everyone is free to express themselves as they want. We remain focused on the job.“
On the renewed high spirit:
“It’s not a matter of a renewed spirit; last year, we had a good first half of the season despite difficulties. You always have to work and stay calm and work. Our goal, until January 7th, is to improve the points we collected compared to last year’s first half.”
On the January transfer market:
“It would be better not to talk about it; there are five games left, and the team needs to earn as many points as possible. Then we’ll see.”
