23 August 2015
“The result leaves a slightly sour taste. We need to be more confident in our ability and to not lose heart when we don’t score.”
These were the words of Massimiliano Allegri after seeing his side’s 1-0 reverse to Udinese on Sunday evening at Juventus Stadium.
Despite the negative outcome, the Tuscan tactician was left encouraged by the way his side controlled vast periods of the match before Cyril Thereau’s 78th minute strike sealed maximum points for Stefano Colantuono’s men.
“Besides not scoring, the players did everything required of them for 70 minutes. It wasn’t an easy match. The team played well and created several chances,” said Allegri.
“It’s never nice to lose at home, but we’re aware of the challenges we face this season. The most important thing is to continue to work hard.”
The 48-year-old was keen to focus on the positives of a performance in which his men had demonstrated good levels of fitness, playing a high pressing game for prolonged spells, as they searched for an opener.
“We’re in good shape physically. Playing 70 minutes with that level of intensity is testament to that. But we needed to be more disciplined in the final 20 minutes. We could have defended their goal better.”
He concluded: “With several new faces, it’s normal that the boys need a bit of time to get to know one another. Today we just missed that cutting edge in the final third. In China, we showed that, but today it just wasn’t to be.”
