Wojciech Szczesny seemed to counter Max Allegri’s comments after the defeat to Lazio, warning ‘one victory in nine games is not worthy of Juventus’ and players ‘must learn to deal with pressure.’
The Bianconeri were beaten 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico by a last-gasp Adam Marusic header, meaning they have just seven points from the last nine Serie A rounds.
Which the coach was adamant Juve should feel “proud” of both this performance and their season overall, his goalkeeper has a very different view.
“We must all understand that we need to give more for Juventus,” Szczesny told DAZN.
“We are aware that we haven’t done enough in the last two months, it is a negative moment and it hurts all of us. We must be aware of the objectives that we have ahead of us.
“Each of us needs to ask ourselves questions. The lads are training hard, they are hungry, but the results are not coming. We all must do better.”
Juve have plummeted down the standings since losing the Scudetto head-to-head with Inter and could end this weekend six points adrift of second-placed Milan.
They are still in the Coppa Italia semi-final with the first leg against Lazio on Tuesday evening, but Szczesny cannot share Allegri’s positive spin on the situation.
“The Coppa Italia is the only remaining trophy we can take home, we know how important that is, just like Champions League qualification is important.
“A couple of months ago, I wouldn’t have said that was enough to make it a good season for Juve. We had the Scudetto dream for six or seven months, did well in the first part of the season, then when that dream got away, we lost something.
“It cannot be an excuse, because one victory in nine games is not worthy of Juventus.”
Szczesny was asked if the Bianconeri had believed a bit too much in the Serie A title and then felt deflated?
“We are Juventus, if we do not believe in the Scudetto, then you cannot play for Juve. Everyone must learn to deal with pressure, which is the best thing that we have in football.
“If you cannot deal with that pressure, then you ought to be playing five a side football, not wearing the Juventus jersey.”
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