Allegri: ‘Juve played a good game, Dybala is back on Tuesday’
Massimiliano Allegri felt Juventus ‘played a good game’ despite losing 3-0 to Barcelona on Sunday and vowed to be ‘ready for the opening match’ against Udinese.
Allegri’s men failed to make the most of their chances and were beaten 3-0 by the Blaugrana in the Gamper Trophy pre-season friendly.
But Allegri stressed the first half was encouraging and vowed to be ready for the opening match against Udinese on August 22.
“I’m sorry about the result, but the team played a good game, especially in the first half,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve all been together for only three days. We need to find our best condition. They were far ahead, but I’m satisfied with what the team expressed.
“We conceded two avoidable goals, but the important thing is to be ready on August 22 and to take three points in Udine.”
Cristiano Ronaldo started the game up front and was replaced after one half by Sweden international Dejan Kulusevski, but Allegri hopes to have Paulo Dybala available for the first game too.
“He [Ronaldo] is training well and in good condition,” Allegri said about the superstar. “He has made himself available to the team as always.
“Then Dybala will return as well. We will arrive at August 22 in the right conditions. Dybala is fine, he’ll be back on Tuesday.
“He will be available on Saturday, and I think he’ll play a part in the match.”
Brazilian youngster Kaio Jorge has arrived at the Allianz Stadium ahead of the new season, but Allegri said he won’t put too much pressure on the 19-year-old, who needs time to ‘grow and make mistakes’.
“He’s a young lad,” Allegri continued. “Let’s not put responsibility on him. Otherwise, we are wrong in our evaluation of the youngsters.
“They need to grow and make mistakes; they must be supported by the most experienced and they must be put in the right conditions to do well.”
Allegri spoke about Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona.
“It was news that shocked everyone, it wasn’t easy for the club or for him [Messi] after all these years,” he said.
He then added that he already has ‘an excellent’ squad at Continassa, amid the rumours of a possible move for Miralem Pjanic.
“It’s not like I’m waiting for him, the club controls the transfer market,” Allegri continued. “We have evaluated: now let’s see what happens.
“The important thing is that the team are working and ready for August 22, then if two midfielders or three defenders arrive, I don’t know.
“I have an excellent squad, [Aaron] Ramsey played a good game in front of the defence. He must improve his management of the ball.
“[Federico] Bernardeschi had a good attitude, there are all the right prospects for a great year.”