Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri paid tribute to Sporting this Wednesday, recalling that they “eliminated Arsenal” and intends to prevent a similar scenario from happening again by confirming reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.
“We are looking at this game and we have to meet it with good work, as happened in the previous game. When we are in the quarterfinals, it is natural to find such teams. Sporting eliminated Arsenal, the Premier League leader, they are a very organized team in terms of technique, but it’s normal to find such a team at such a high level,” said the Italian coach.
At a pre-press conference at Lisbon’s José Alvalade Stadium, Massimiliano Allegri assured that he would think of nothing but Thursday’s game, promising a “concentrated” team to keep up with Sporting.
Sporting is a very well organized team, they have very technical players, in the first match their center forward [Youssef Chermiti] pretty surprised me. It was very good,” praised the coach of the “perpetual lady”, as the transalpine emblem is known.
Massimiliano Allegri also assured that he would not represent defensive Juventus in the decision against Sporting, even hoping to score to determine the course of the meeting.
“It is unthinkable to play to defend the score 1-0, it would be very difficult for us. We have to be lucky to score a goal and defend, in this case much better than in the first match,” he predicted.
Allegri mentioned that Juventus are in the decisive phase of the season.
“We are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, we will try to get a result that will allow us to go to the next round, even if it is not easy, and then we will try to reach the final. also participate in the Coppa Italia, the month of April will be decisive for us, we are aware of our strength and everything that we have been able to demonstrate this season,” he explained.
The coach acknowledged the sporting importance of the Italian badge in winning this trophy, which opens the way to the Champions League next season.
“If we win the Europa League it will give us access to the Champions League as well as the satisfaction of bringing the trophy home. We can still win two [a Taça de Itália]. Playing against Portuguese teams is always difficult. You need a lot of patience, and in this stadium it is important to influence the game, ”concluded Massimiliano Allegri.
Also announcing the game against Sporting was Brazilian defender Alex Sandro, who pointed out the importance of “continuing work” to confirm reaching the semi-finals after a 1-0 victory in the first leg, achieved with difficulty through Turin’s set.
“What we have to do is keep working to win the game. We are growing, there is room for growth in this team and we must do our best to win at Alvalada,” said Alex Sandro, who already represented Porto for four spells from 2011 to 2015.
Sporting CP welcome the Italians from Juventus on Thursday at 20:00 at the José Alvalade stadium in Lisbon in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final, which is judged by Frenchman Francois Letexier.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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