04 June 2017
Massimiliano Allegri insisted he was proud – not disappointed – with his side after they were defeated by Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday night.
“The lads have had a fantastic season and I’m proud of them,” said the Juve boss. “They had a great first half and only conceded to Real’s first shot on goal, on the counter. All I can say to them is thank you.”
Allegri admitted that his players had struggled to maintain the level of their performance after the break.
“We found it tough going in the first 15 minutes of the second half,” he said. “We conceded and instead of fighting tooth and nail to defend, we gave in. That’s where we need to improve for next year.
“Their second goal knocked the wind out of us, but Real were excellent in the second half. They couldn’t get out in the first half but they raised the tempo after the break, showed their class and proved they have match-winners in their ranks. We didn’t manage our energy well – we could have been more measured in the first half, regardless of the fact that we deserved to be ahead.
“Having said all that, there’s no point in complaining and dwelling on the whys and the what ifs. Let’s rest up now – it’s been a tough season, but you always get a second chance in life. We won’t stop here. We have to get back to the final.”
Allegri also confirmed that he will be in charge of Juventus next season.
“Yes, I will be in the dugout next year,” he said. “I want to go all the way and win this time. We know where we need to improve. Life goes on and we’ll try and achieve something.”
