08 March 2023
Massimiliano Allegri and Filip Kostić were in the press room at the Allianz Stadium to present the Europa League last 16 first leg against Freiburg, which kicks off tomorrow at 21:00 CET.
The coach and the winger underlined the importance of a home win in the opening leg, without underestimating the quality of the side sitting equal fourth in the Bundesliga.
MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
"I want to see a positive attitude tomorrow and lay the foundations by taking a lead into the second leg. Freiburg are physically strong, they are fifth [on goal difference] in the league, unbeaten in Europe, but we have to get back to winning at home - between the Champions League and Europa League, we’ve only managed one win.
"It is clear that Ángel [Di María] is an extraordinary player, what with his experience and all the trophies he has won. He will play from the start tomorrow. I haven't yet decided who else will play. I also have to think about managing the squad, considering Sunday's match. [Paul] Pogba is available, but I still need to decide how to get the best out of him. [Leonardo] Bonucci is fine, but I have to evaluate whether to play him or Alex Sandro, who is 99% ok.
"I'm happy with how Dušan [Vlahović] is performing. He is constantly growing. Forwards are judged on goals scored, but you also have to look at their performance. Like every player, he has to keep up the work and continually improve. Last year we played with [Federico] Chiesa as centre-forward. I consider him a striker that starts out wide, but he has the characteristics to cover every position in attack."
"[Vincenzo] Grifo is a good player and he's proving it. He scores goals, provides assists, and is good at set pieces. He's a player we need to keep an eye on."
FILIP KOSTIĆ
"I've played against Freiburg several times. They're a compact and solid team. We have to take control of the game because they adapt very well. We have to start tomorrow with a good performance. I know the Europa League well, having already won it. Our aim is to win the competition. It's one of our objectives."
"Juve have great quality. We are above average skillswise. We've always worked together and we believe in ourselves. As for Dušan, I have know him for a long time. We talk often. I think every player experiences some periods like this, but I'm not worried because he is showing a lot of hunger. I'm sure he just needs one goal to get over this period, and I hope he scores it tomorrow."
"My goal is always to give 100%, no matter the competition. I listen to what the coach asks of me and I always adapt. I'm happy here. All my teammates have helped me settle in and understand the level of expectations at Juve."
