Max Allegri prepares Juventus for Atalanta and hits back at a “trial by media” over Paulo Dybala.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Before saying anything else, I want to speak,” he started his Press conference.
“Seeing as there has been a trial by media for me and Dybala, he is the striker who has played the most so far this season.
Max Allegri prepares Juventus for Atalanta and hits back at a “trial by media” over Paulo Dybala.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Before saying anything else, I want to speak,” he started his Press conference.
“Seeing as there has been a trial by media for me and Dybala, he is the striker who has played the most so far this season.
“He is a lad with excellent qualities and will have a great future. Last season he was a leader at Palermo, but cannot have that same role at Juve yet.
“Anyone who is saying that is wrong. We cannot put this amount of responsibility on Dybala’s shoulders. I think that from my time at Milan I’ve done well getting the best out of young players.
“By behaving this way, you’re making it difficult for the player too. He will be the future and is the present of Juventus. If for one or two games the Coach decides to bench him, there’s a reason. I accept criticism, but only if I am attacked for something true. I must be respected, whether you like it or not.
“He was too expensive to not play? That’s your problem. In that case look at Kevin de Bruyne, who cost €80m and doesn’t play at Manchester City.”
Yesterday President Andrea Agnelli declared “everyone must realise 14th place is unacceptable.” Does Allegri feel the same way?
“As I’ve already said, we ought to have more points right now, regardless of the changes to the squad. Juventus should not be in this position. I didn’t think he was criticising me.
“Fortunately for the first time we all trained together this week. There are players who need a rest, like Juan Cuadrado, while Gigi Buffon will be available.
“We are only missing Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres. There are difficult games to face, we’ve found our defensive solidity of late and now have to improve in attack.
“The first real step forward will be visible by Christmas, as we cannot think of fighting back that quickly in just a few games. The next step will be in March.”
Allegri confirmed either Stefano Sturaro or Simone Padoin will play at right-back against Atalanta, while Roberto Pereyra could step in for Cuadrado.
The Coach was also asked about comments made by director general Beppe Marotta, who admitted transfer deadline day signing Hernanes was not their first choice.
“The transfer market is closed, the players who are part of the squad were considered valid to play in this important side.
“I think Mario Mandzukic has had a good scoring record in important games against Manchester City and Lazio in the Super Cup.
“The midfield has only been playing together for two matches, so we need more time to gel.”
Juventus squad for Atalanta: Buffon, Neto, Audero; Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Hernanes, Cuadrado, Lemina, Padoin, Asamoah, Sturaro, Pereyra; Zaza, Morata, Mandzukic, Dybala