Sarri Slams Juventus’ Sluggish Display After Lyon Defeat
Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri has slammed his side’s lethargic display in a 1-0 loss at the Groupama Stadium against Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
Juventus were kept at bay in France, as a lone goal from Lucas Tousart in the first half was enough to send the Serie A leaders back home with their tails between their legs.
The Italians were limited to only one shot on target by Rudi Garcia’s men despite the vast array of talent at their disposal.
Speaking to the media after the game, Sarri was left fuming at Juventus and insists his men lacked ‘determination and aggression’ during the game.
"It's difficult to explain why, but in the first half we moved the ball too slowly so the opposition were going to press, win the ball back and score," the former Napoli and Chelsea boss told Sky Sport Italia .
"We lacked determination and aggression when attacking, and for 15 minutes lacked it defensively too.”
"The second half was better, but it's not enough for a Champions League match. I don't know why I cannot get the players to understand the importance of moving the ball quickly.”
"This is fundamental. We'll keep working on it and sooner or later this concept will get into their heads.”
"I continued to tell them, and there were many who were doing it, moving the ball too slowly and therefore getting into the wrong positions.”
"We had training before the game and the ball was moving twice as quickly as it did during the game.”
“This is the opposite of what should happen. Lately we're doing a lot of things opposite to in training.”
"When the ball is slow, you lose positions, you allow the opposition to close you down, to be aggressive and steal the ball back.”
"I don't even think the Lyon pressing was that strong. We just moved it slowly, never varied the tempo, and when you do that, it's unlikely you're going to create anything."
