17 January 2016
Massimiliano Allegri may have masterminded Juventus’ ten-match winning streak in Serie A, but the Tuscan tactician preferred to look at the feat in the context of the season as a whole.
Speaking to the media after Sunday’s 4-0 thumping of Udinese, he began: “Winning again today was a very good sign, as we’ve only played twice in Turin in recent weeks. Credit to the players for the excellent run that we’re on, but we ought not pay too much attention to that, because what matters is being in front on 16 May.”
Asked about the reasons behind their upturn in form following a slow start to the season, Allegri explained: “I was without Marchisio and Khedira, Mandzukic had injury problems during the first two months and the rest of the players were not playing at the level they are right now.
“After last term’s efforts, there was always a risk of needing some time to reach peak condition for the current campaign. There were also some unfortunate incidents, for example the draw with Frosinone, when we conceded from their only corner kick. It was, however, almost predictable that such things occurred in that period, as we were all taking too many things for granted.”
Now, of course, Allegri has a very different situation on his hands, whereby the strength in depth of the squad enabled him to give Paul Pogba a breather at the Dacia Arena Friuli, given the Frenchman had played 18 of the previous 19 league fixtures.
“I wanted to give him a rest, as he’s played most of the time so far this term. Asamoah is now in a good shape physically and I’m very happy for him, as I am also for Rugani, who stepped in today and played with plenty of character.”
He concluded: “I’m more than satisfied with everyone’s form and fitness at present and it’s very difficult to leave anyone out of the side, but it’s crucial to have this sort of squad depth given that we’re playing a match every three days.”
