Football: Post-match outburst normal as I am human, says Juventus coach Allegri

Videos emerged of Allegri storming down the tunnel, allegedly directing his ire at players in the dressing room, following the draw with AC Milan. PHOTO: REUTERS

TURIN, ITALY (REUTERS) - Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Tuesday (Sept 21) that his post-match outburst, captured on camera following the 1-1 draw with AC Milan, is something he has done many times before, and called on his players to take responsibility for the club's plight.

Sunday's draw at the Juventus Stadium left the Turin club 18th in the standings after failing to win any of the first four Serie A matches this season, something Juve have not done since 1961-62.

Videos emerged of Allegri storming down the tunnel, with Italian media reporting that the coach directed his ire at his players in the dressing room, specifically the substitutes he used against Milan.

"It is normal that I have a post-game outburst, as I am human," he told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's match against Spezia, who are in the top flight for just their second season.

"Those who are on the bench must be decisive when they enter and approach the game. We cannot risk playing with 10 men.

"It is a sense of respect for those on the bench, how they must take responsibility. We must be ready. When I was younger they always told me that what matters is on the pitch."

Allegri took charge of the club for the second time in the close season as he looks to improve on Juve's disappointing fourth-place finish last term after winning nine titles in a row.

"If you are technically wrong in football you will pay for it in the long run," he added. "After Milan equalised we could have lost it and we were lucky enough not to lose, which is why moments of the match must be done better.

"Spezia is a team that has won in Venice (against Venezia on Sunday) by creating a lot, playing without too many worries and playing in their stadium is never easy. We have to be mentally and physically like them and then our qualities will have to come out."

Allegri confirmed Italy forward Federico Chiesa will come into the side, as will defender Matthijs de Ligt after Giorgio Chiellini picked up an injury.

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