27 August 2021
Ahead of the first league match at home tomorrow evening (kick-off at 20:45 CEST), Coach Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media today about the team, Cristiano Ronaldo and tomorrow’s match.
Here’s what he had to say:
ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
Yesterday, Cristiano told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus. For this reason he will not be called up for tomorrow's game. Things change, it's a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing. Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves, and life goes on. He is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters. But as I said, we must go on…
TOMORROW’S OPPONENT: EMPOLI
Empoli play good football. We are working well, and we are very disappointed for not having won in Udine. Unforeseen events happened in that game that must not happen again. We are improving. Tomorrow there will be a good atmosphere, we will finally have our fans back and we will have to be ready. We have to be very angry about the points we left in Udine when we face Empoli tomorrow. I'm intrigued to see the team play tomorrow night and eager to hit our seasonal goals, improving as individuals and as a collective. There are no excuses and extenuating circumstances, those are for losers and those who are weak.
TEAM’S FORM
In the last two matches, including the friendly against Atalanta we scored five goals, but we conceded three. It means that we have the goals in our locker but we have to concede less because the championships are won with the goal difference. The squad is excellent, I am satisfied with the players we have available. They all have the potential to have a great season. The lads need to improve, one step at a time and victories are the best way to do it. In Udine I was happy with the performance but sorry for the management
ON WESTON MCKENNIE
Mckennie shouldn't leave, he's an attacking midfielder, and has got goals in his legs.
PLAYER UPDATES
Morata is fine & I consider Chiesa a forward, but I'll decide the line-up tomorrow. Without Cristiano there are many players who can score goals, they will be distributed across the team, with serenity and desire & the aim of winning.
