23 November 2017
Juventus’ Champions League campaign will be in the balance in their final group game away at Olympiacos. The team picked up a useful point against a top side in Barcelona and Massimiliano Allegri was full of praise for his players.
“It was a really good game from a tactical perspective and our first 0-0 of the season. We found some space in the first half but struggled a bit in the second, though we did manage to create some chances through Douglas Costa and [Paulo] Dybala.
“It’s an important point and means we’ll go to Athens knowing a draw may not be enough and that we need to win.”
In particular, Allegri was glad with the defensive shift his players put in: “The boys did really well. When you play games like this, everyone needs to defend. They worked well when not in possession and we made it difficult for Barcelona to play through our defence.
“This means we’ve done well and we need to kick on from here. Today, I was more interested in the performance than the result, because in Genoa we conceded goals that Juve cannot concede.
“Tonight, faced with some extraordinary players, we maintained a very high level of focus and they didn’t hurt us. When Juve defend like that, it’s very tough to score."
Now the Bianconeri are faced with an intense period and one during which the team can develop.
“For basically three months we’ve played every three days and when players are on international duty I’m not able to coach.
“Now we finally have time, until 6 January, to work calmly together and think about improving the quality of our play. Perhaps we won’t be as easy on the eye, but the longer you go without conceding, the more confidence you build and the better you play.”
