Allegri claims solidity is the key to Juventus’ success

MILAN: Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has echoed the thoughts of Cristiano Ronaldo, who said this week that the Serie A leaders have the best team spirit of any club he has played for.

Ronaldo joined the Serie A champions in a shock £100 million (RM527 million) move last summer from Real, and said he had been impressed with the team atmosphere in Turin.

In doing so, he alluded to a different dressing room culture in Madrid, and said that in Italy, unlike in Spain, players were happy when their teammates got the glory.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo said: “I’m very happy. The city is really nice, the fans are very kind and Juventus is a fantastic club, that is incredibly organised.

“The players here are humble and they work very hard. It’s been fantastic. This is the best group I’ve ever played with.

“At Juventus we really feel like a team, unlike elsewhere where some players feel like they are better than others.

“Here everyone is humble, if Dybala or Mandzukic don’t score you see still see them happy. That is beautiful.”

Ahead of late yesterday’s Turin derby, Allegri agreed with Ronaldo’s comments and claimed the welcoming atmosphere has been behind their recent domestic dominance.

“If Ronaldo said it, I think it’s true,” he said. “Juventus itself, as a club, is a place where you can work very well, with great organisation. We don’t achieve great results just because we buy great players, or just because of great technical organisation.

“Great results are achieved because the club is strong and solid. You can’t have good results without a great management or club, it would be difficult for the coach and for the players.”

AC Milan, in fourth, travel to Bologna on Tuesday looking to pull level with Inter Milan, as Lazio are away to Atalanta, one point off the Europa League places.