Allegri feels ‘next season will be beautiful’ at Juventus ahead of Milan match

Massimiliano Allegri admitted Juventus ‘could’ve been more effective’ up front this season and underlined the importance of focus against Milan.

The Bianconeri are in a strange spot heading into the final few weeks of the season, having failed to impress for months in Serie A but looking better in the Coppa Italia, where they’ve reached the final against Atalanta after beating Lazio in the final four stage.

Allegri is looking increasingly likely to be dismissed by Juventus in the summer following their disastrous second half of the season, which has seen them pick up just two wins in their last 12 league matches. The leading candidate to replace him is Bologna’s Thiago Motta.

Allegri focus

Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first discussed the approach needed against Milan.

“Tomorrow is always Juventus-Milan, a good game to play. Milan are a strong team with valuable players. Winning the semi-final has allowed us to partially achieve one of our objectives.

“Now we have three games before the final where we have to get as many possible points to qualify for the Champions League.”

He provided an update on the condition of Gleison Bremer.

“Bremer had a little problem in Cagliari, he’s better now and I’ll decide tomorrow. We’ve had three days to rest and we’re ready to play a good match.”

Allegri was asked what Juventus were missing to win the Scudetto.

“The club and those who carry out the transfer market must answer this question. I am the coach and not the transfer market. We must remain focused on our Champions League objective. This would allow us to see Juventus in more competitions and then there’s the economic aspect.

“Now we have to stay focused, because the teams behind us are scoring points. We have to be good at playing a good game and winning again in the league.”

He commented on the choice between Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz.

“They’re both fine. Federico has played a little more and I have to decide whether to start him. Chiesa can always decide things in one match, but I’ll choose tomorrow.”

Allegri touched on Dusan Vlahovic’s Ballon d’Or ambitions.

“It’s normal for him to aspire to the Ballon d’Or. Each of us must aspire to the maximum. Dusan has improved a lot since he arrived and is finding his balance even when things aren’t going well. I’m very happy.”

He was asked how a Coppa Italia victory would change his view on this season.

“These are not my exploits, they belong to everyone. Of a strong club, of a strong team. When we are at Juventus everyone must have the ambition to win. Then if the others are better, we have to work to improve.

“For a club the important thing is to qualify for the Champions League. For us, reaching our goals would be a success. We all like to win, but we have to reach our goal.”

Allegri admitted Juventus’ struggles in the final third.

“We are in line with what we did last year. Maybe we could have been more effective. Pioli is doing an excellent job at Milan.

“I don’t know if Inter have been the strongest in these three years. I, however, have always said that they were the strongest of this season and they thought I was crazy.”

He touched on the fight for second place.

“Tomorrow is a match, in case of a victory which won’t be easy, that can give us the opportunity to get to second place. Next season will be beautiful, because when you play a lot of competitions it’s stimulating.”

Allegri was asked to explain the differences between the first and second halves of the match with Lazio.

“Because at the start we did the first half well and the second less well. In Rome we made a lot of mistakes in the first half. We had important chances.”

Finally, Allegri spoke about if not playing in Europe was an advantage or not.

“In five years, Juventus won five titles, four Coppa Italia and played in two Champions League finals. We always reached the end with almost 55 games. I congratulate Marotta and respect Stefano’s thoughts, but the facts say otherwise.”