Sarri: "We first focused on ourselves"

“We have worked on the mistakes we made. We first focused on ourselves, then on Cagliari. We got it wrong mentally before we tactically got it wrong.” These were the opening remarks by Maurizio Sarri as he addressed the media today in his press conference ahead of Juve-Cagliari.

Here are some of the topics he covered:

DE LIGT & DEMIRAL

“Matthijs de Ligt went through a complicated period between the problems he had with his shoulder and his adductors. During this time, Merih Demiral was in great condition which allowed for de Ligt to have a break. He is improving, tomorrow we will decide who starts.”

THE MIDFIELD

“We are trying Rabiot as center right, Emre Can both in the center and center right and, in the last few days, we have also started working with Federico Bernardeschi in that role. When a team concedes a few goals it's not always the fault of the defenders. I don't think we protect the defence well. We've done a lot of work on the midfield's movements. Rabiot from a physical point of view now looks good. He's got good feedback in both training and his matches lately. He leaves us with a feeling that he has even greater potential, and that he has started on that path.

ATTACKING TRIO

"Regarding the trident, we see tomorrow. There is also Aaron Ramsey who is improving a lot. It will need consideration because the two Cagliari playmakers are dangerous on the break. A lot of attention will be needed."

INJURY UPDATE

“It’s too early to talk about Chiellini. He is progressing well, but with his individual work. We will have to assess Chiellini's situation and at the end of the month Sami Khedira. Paulo Dybala has no problems. He did a differentiated workout because he was tired after two or three high intensity workouts. Today he will train regularly with the group."

NEW SIGNING KULUSEVSKI

“Kulusevski is a prospect of great interest. Having him here right away or not, is not part of what I have to judge. The important thing is that the club is attentive to these young players who are great prospects.”