Allegri: 'I was wrong on Emre Can'

By Football Italia staff

Max Allegri took the blame for the poor Juventus performance against Lazio, even though they won 2-1. “I put Emre Can in a difficult position.”

Bianconeri were pinned back for an hour and went behind through an Emre Can own goal, but Joao Cancelo came off the bench and changed the game with an equaliser and earning the Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.

“We didn’t do well for the first hour, but the last half-hour I think did better. At half-time, I told the lads to pass it more cleanly, not make so many hasty mistakes,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“The introduction of Federico Bernardeschi and Cancelo made us more organised. It was a difficult match, but I’ve been at Juventus for five years and have never had an easy ride at the Olimpico against Lazio, so it wasn’t a surprise.

“It’s my responsibility, as I tried to play with Emre Can in front of the defence and that was a mistake. He doesn’t have the right timing yet, so I put him in a very difficult position. I put Bentancur there instead and it went better.

“Those who come off the bench are essential. I was sad to leave Bernardeschi out initially, but we have a big game coming up against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

“The Lazio pressing game caused us problems, especially because our own passing was so misplaced. It felt like we were all wearing different jerseys in the first half, because we couldn’t pass to a teammate. We adjusted some things and were more orderly, so finished the game on a high.

“We knew it was important to win after Napoli drew with Milan. I told the lads a win would be a step forward, even if we didn’t play that well.”

Giorgio Chiellini said Wojciech Szczesny “kept us afloat for an hour” and Allegri agreed.

“Szczesny is doing very well, but we knew he was a great goalkeeper. I think the biggest leap forward he has made is in his focus over 90 minutes and confidence.

“Leonardo Bonucci’s ankle is swollen, so we’ll see, but we’ve got Martin Caceres coming in. Miralem Pjanic will be back midweek.”

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