Allegri: 'Borussia not a Final'
Max Allegri warned that Juventus v Borussia Dortmund “is not a Final, so it requires patience, cool heads and technique.”
The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at the Juventus Stadium at 19.45 GMT.
“It is certainly not the game of the season. It’s not a Final, it is the first leg of a Round of 16, so there are 180 minutes to go,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“Borussia are in great form, as are we, so it will require patience, cool heads and technique. It’s an important game, but not the most decisive of the season.
“This is not a Serie A or Bundesliga tie. It is the first of two we have to face against Borussia, knowing they have great pace and technique in attack. Therefore we must try to limit their strengths and play a very intense game.
“Nobody ever said Borussia are superior to us, but their four forwards are very quick and technical. They are organised and play good football, especially in attack.
“Our objective is to reach the next round. Tomorrow we are playing at home, so the fundamental thing is not to concede, as Borussia are a side that score a lot.
“We are fully aware that we have an excellent chance of qualifying, albeit respecting a Borussia side that did great things in recent years.
“Jurgen Klopp did great things on the European stage, reconstructed Borussia from 2006 onwards and is a great Coach.”
Allegri was asked to imagine how he’d have been treated if Juve suffered Borussia’s disastrous domestic results this season.
“It’s an issue of mentality between Germany and Italy. I do think it’s an anomaly that Borussia are mid-table, so towards the end they will be close to the top. Apart from Bayern Munich, who basically have their own tournament, it’s a very tight League.”
Allegri was asked about Paul Pogba’s ‘poor’ recent form amid talk of Barcelona interest.
“I am not worried about his form because he has great physical characteristics. Of course there are going to be games he plays better and ones where he’s less impressive, you can’t play 50 matches per season all at the same level.
“He has provided assists and gone close to scoring goals, so I see no problem.”
