At the same time as Juventus played their match, rivals Como, Milan and Roma also achieved victories, further increasing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Round before the end of the season, Juventus is in sixth place in the table, with two points less than Roma and Milan.
Coach Luciano Spalletti spoke to Sky Sports after the game and was very self-critical, considering that the responsibility rests with him because the team failed to show more despite the support from the stands.
“In my opinion, the progress of the team was significant. Today we had to play football and show character that corresponds to the importance of the game. The fact that we went through difficult moments without reacting and that we did not show the quality of the players makes me first question myself before talking about the boys,” said Spalletti.
He also added the following:
“I told the players that if I come to the field and the team gives a game like this, then I’m the one who has to be under scrutiny. The game was terrible in many aspects, and in some situations even luck was not on our side. We found ourselves behind with almost no real chances, even though we didn’t open the match well. We didn’t take advantage of the atmosphere of the beautiful stadium.”
Speaking further, Spalletti pointed out that the responsibility for the naive goals conceded lies more with him than the players.
“What explanation do you want me to give? I have to make sure this doesn’t happen, by bringing clarity into the players’ heads to play simpler balls, create the right space and be ready for fierce counter-attacks. It’s details like that that make the difference.”
Aware of how much a Champions League exit could cost Juventus, Spalletti said:
“We know that a club without a Champions League is losing a lot of money, but I wouldn’t call this game a matter of life and death. Today they are trying to create too much emotional pressure and the players are suffering because of it. I am trying to take that burden off them. In the end, football is what brought us here and we have to show that level of play again.”
In the last round, Juventus will play a city derby against Torino, and in order to qualify for the Champions League, they will now have to wait for a possible defeat by Milan or Roma in order to keep their hopes for a place among the European elite.
(Vijesti.ba)
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