Massimiliano Allegri has apologized for Juventus’ Champions League exit following defeat to Benfica, but insists the defeat is not a failure.
Juventus‘ dismal season took a turn for the worse when their departure from the Champions League was secured with a game to spare after a humiliating 4-3 loss away to Benfica. Allegri, who has been chastised multiple times this season, refused to linger on the outcome and its implications.
Allegri’s reaction after the game
Allegri told reporters after the game: “More than the wrong approach, I think we were too soft in defence in the first half. We are disappointed and angry because we are out of the Champions League. Now we have to focus on the [Italian] league and also remain focused against Paris (Saint-Germain next Wednesday) because we have at least to book a place in the Europa League.”
“We made too many mistakes tonight but it’s not useful to talk about that now. I don’t consider this a failure. In football there are also defeats,” Allegri apologized.
The 4-3 scoreline did not accurately reflect Juve’s efforts on the night. The Old Lady fell behind 4-1 after 50 minutes on Tuesday, completely collapsing under duress in Lisbon and only rallying at the end. They can now only compete in the Europa League.
The Old Lady host Paris Saint-Germain in the penultimate matchday, and if they fail to earn a result and Maccabi Haifa pulls off an upset against Benfica, they will be eliminated from Europa League competition.
