Andrea Pirlo endures a difficult first season as Juventus coach that has seen their 9 years dominance in Serie A ends.
Pirlo’s side falls out of the Champions League spot after last weekend’s 3-0 loss to rivals AC Milan. Pirlo has seen a series of disappointing results that have raised speculation that his regime at Turin will be over.
Pirlo, who has been constantly criticized, asserted that most of Juve’s misfortunes were outside his control. However, the tactician cites COVID and injuries that have raved his squad as the key problems his side has faced.
“In recent months, the lineup has often changed. But it’s due to many reasons, including injuries and COVID,” Pirlo said.
“We have accepted all circumstances. I don’t have any fear. I only think about the good of Juventus, which comes first of all, ahead of players and coaches,” he stated.
On their tie against Sassuolo, Pirlo insisted that he doesn’t want a resignation and they can still clinch the European football.
“I don’t want to see resignation tomorrow. We are a point behind the Champions League places and we have three games left,” Pirlo insisted.
“Football teaches that anything can happen, so we need great positivity,” he added.
The former Juventus midfielder admits the 3-0 defeat to AC Milan’s disappointment. He emphasized that a top-four finish remains their prime target.
“Today, we will decide what to do. Tomorrow is a delicate match and I hope to have everyone available. Our target is to prove that we deserve the Champions League. And we can only do it with the results,” he emphasized.
“We were disappointed after the defeat to Milan, but our target doesn’t change. We have a duty to believe in it,” Pirlo admitted.
“There’s a lot of energy in me and us. We are angry. We have a duty to believe in it, because we are Juventus, and we cannot resign ourselves to this position.
“My duty is to make the players I have available perform at their best, based on their characteristics,” he concluded.