Allegri explained his decision with the Ronaldo bench against Udinese by the transfer talk raging around the Juve star.
Cristiano Ronaldo feels good
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Cristiano was left out of the starting XI Massimiliano Allegri for the first Juventus Serie A fixture of the 2021-22 campaign on Sunday. The Bianconeri ended up blowing up two lead goals and a 2-2 draw at Stadio Friuli, while Cristiano Ronaldo saw the last gasp winner ruled out for offside after calling for a second-half cameo.
Cristiano Ronaldo was reported to be pushing for a move from Allianz Stadium before the summer transfer window closed, but Massimiliano gave little notice when he asked why he chose to name the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on the bench. After the game, the Juventus boss said that Cristiano Ronaldo is doing well. Allegri spoke to him before the game, saying that Cristiano Ronaldo will start on the bench. Cristiano made himself available, he did well when he served, Ronaldo also scored a goal, but it was forbidden.
Former clubs Cristiano Real Madrid and Man Utd have been encouraged to try to sign the 36-year-old, while a reference to longtime rival Messi at PSG has also been discussed as a possibility. The Portuguese international has only 11 months left to run on their contract in Juventus, but Massimiliano insisted that the eligible asset had no plans to leave the club. An Italian tactician said last week that he simply read gossip in the newspapers. Ronaldo never told them he wanted to leave. Cristiano told him that he would stay at Juve.
What else did Allegri say?
Massimiliano also gave an honest assessment of his side’s performance against Udinese, admitting that the lack of match preparedness led to mistakes on the defensive in the latter stages of the game. Allegri said they had a good game. Unfortunately, this is what football is all about. they had to do better in the second half, they were unable to manage unexpected events. This should be a lesson to them. They lost too many goals in the middle of the park in the second half. They might be a little tired. However, one should not give in to such goals. they defended well, did not miss a shot on target.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was to blame for the 82nd minute of equalizer Gerard Deulofeu, and Massimiliano Allegri left complaining about the Polish goalkeeper’s inability to clear his lines at a crucial stage of the game. Massimiliano added that Wojciech is an excellent goalkeeper, he did not make a technical mistake, but they had to understand the moment and not be ashamed to throw the ball into the stands.