The Bianconeri coach on the challenge against Empoli: “We haven’t noticed being first in the standings; we think game after game. And Milan can also re-enter the title race.”
ALLEGRI’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
How did you Approach this game against Empoli and how is Djaló’s integrating:
Djaló participated in part of the training with the team today, returning from a crucial injury. We’ll gradually integrate him into the team. We are in good shape, understanding the importance of tomorrow’s game. We need to perform well.
Best aspects of the season so far:
We addressed our limitations. Physically and mentally, we’re in good shape now. Tomorrow is a tough match; Empoli changed their coach and is coming off a clear win against Monza. All matches must be won on the field, and we must show respect. It will be challenging, like all games.
Midfield without Rabiot, possibility of Cambiaso:
I think Miretti will play; I have some doubts about the wingers. I’ll decide whether to field Danilo, who is one booking away from a suspension. The team, however, is in good condition.
Chiesa’s condition:
He won’t be available tomorrow as he hasn’t trained much. We’ll try to have him back for the Inter game. It’s important to recover him well.
Thoughts on Klopp leaving Liverpool:
He knows the reasons and explained them. Surely, he won’t end his career, but he’ll do other things elsewhere, as he demonstrated at Dortmund and Liverpool, winning a lot.
Title race and Milan’s role:
Juve-Inter clash will be important, but not decisive, Milan can also re-enter in the title race, in my opinion so we can’t forget about them. They’ve earned more points than last year and have passed the tough period. We focus on ourselves, getting the three points. It’s not easy. Empoli won here last year; they have quality and are inclined to play.
Comparison of Juve-Inter with Sinner-Djokovic:
It’s challenging to say. You have to earn points and think only about ourselves. We must have great mental strength and balance because gaining points in the second part of the season is difficult. Congratulations to Sinner, but watching Djokovic is always beautiful. If I have to say who resembles whom, we are young, so I’ll say Sinner, and Inter is Djokovic, but let’s not say it; they might take offense.
Team’s changed mentality:
No, the team is homogeneous, works well, and wants to improve. The team is growing and progressing calmly, seeking improvement every day.
Predictions for the title race:
With these points, it’s difficult to say. We are on our path, and we shouldn’t settle. Inter is the favorite and has earned a lot of points. Being close to them is a source of pride, considering they are doing extraordinary things. Comparing ourselves to them, given our different journey, is a source of pride, but we shouldn’t settle, we wanna challenge them.
Approaching the fact of being first in the standings differently:
No, we’ve been calm, barely noticed it, especially as Inter has a game in hand, and Milan can still re-enter. The important thing is to maintain balance and think game after game. Speculating on what will happen in a few months is useless in football; one day you’re good, and the next day you’re not. Therefore, the strength lies in maintaining balance.
Juventus believing in an impossible achievement:
After Lecce, I said that impossible things should be made possible, not referring to the title but to a psychological condition. We must believe in what we do; conviction is essential. If there are teams better than us at the end of the season, we’ll applaud them, but we mustn’t set limits; we must be convinced.
