Allegri highlights in-form Kean's 'different mental approach' after Lazio brace

By Sports Desk November 13, 2022

Massimiliano Allegri believes "a different mental approach" has been crucial for Moise Kean following his impressive recent form.

The Italy international scored his first Serie A brace since March 2019 as Juventus leapfrogged Lazio into third place following a 3-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium.

Kean has now netted four goals in as many league appearances, as many as in his previous 38 matches in the Italian top flight.

"He is far more balanced mentally, as when you are young, and he is so exuberant, it all gets a bit much," Allegri told DAZN.

"He is working hard, he weighs five or six kilograms less than last season, and you can see he has a different mental approach."

The win over Lazio was Juve's sixth on the bounce in Serie A heading into the World Cup break, and Allegri praised his players' efforts.

"The lads did well, especially after a tough month," he said. "It was not easy against Lazio, we had the patience to close their passing channels, allowing them practically nothing until the final minutes.

"Just six rounds ago, nobody believed we would be third in the table, so that is a step forward. I can only thank the lads for their performances."

The break has arguably come at the wrong time for in-form Juventus, but Allegri insists it will be beneficial for the Bianconeri, who are missing several players through injury.

"Now, we need to recharge our batteries and be ready to resume in January," he added. "We have too many players with question marks over them, and now we have the opportunity to get them back fully fit. We needed this break to have a breather.

"I think when we do resume, there will be a game every three days, we will try to go all the way in the Europa League and there will be space for everyone to give their contribution."

Related items

  • 'Not a good sign' – Keane unimpressed by Man Utd's injured absentees 'Not a good sign' – Keane unimpressed by Man Utd's injured absentees

    Roy Keane was left questioning the attitudes of Manchester United's players as the Red Devils were once again without numerous key players for Sunday's loss to Arsenal.

    Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez were among the notable names to miss out for the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, as Erik ten Hag bemoaned continued injury issues.

    Martinez and Harry Maguire's absence ensured Ten Hag had to field Jonny Evans and makeshift centre-back partner Casemiro in defence, with the latter at fault for Leandro Trossard's winning goal.

    Wayne Rooney vocalised his concerns over the application of United's players and Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, echoed his thoughts as he questioned the prolonged absence of some.

    "Obviously, that's not a good sign," Keane said of players not returning from injury. "You'd hope players who are carrying injuries are desperate to get back playing again.

    "There is always a worry, there are always players at every club that can drag their heels with an injury.

    "Generally, players I played with when they were given a period they'd be injured for, they were always trying to knock a week off it and get back playing for Manchester United or whatever club they're at."

    Without a host of key players, United have conceded in 10 successive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2021.

    The Red Devils' 82 goals they have conceded this season is their most since 1970-71 (also 82), too, as United continue to disappoint in the 2023-23 campaign.

    United have also lost 19 games in all competitions this season, their most since 1977-78 (also 19), while their nine defeats at Old Trafford this term are their joint-most at home in a single campaign.

    Keane says the concerns over players not racing back to fitness is not unusual, though it does little to aid Ten Hag's plight.

    "It's always a worry but I have to say, it goes on at lots of football clubs," the United great said. 

    "There are lots of players out there when they have an injury, they're not in the hurry to get back in the team. I think that's obvious and happens at lots of football clubs."

  • 'I don't stop' – Simeone focused after bringing up 400 Atletico wins with Celta triumph 'I don't stop' – Simeone focused after bringing up 400 Atletico wins with Celta triumph

    Diego Simeone is refusing to relent in his pursuit with Atletico Madrid after bringing up 400 wins during his managerial tenure at the club.

    Atletico needed a late stunner from Rodrigo De Paul to edge past Celta Vigo on Sunday, keeping them on course for Champions League qualification.

    Simeone's side would secure a top-four spot in LaLiga if they beat Getafe on Wednesday.

    That remains Simeone's firm focus, rather than celebrating personal achievements.

    The Atletico boss told reporters: "I don't stop. I know what I want, I know what I'm looking for, I know where the path is.

    "I will continue pushing until the last day I am here.

    "We will continue game by game until the end, and then we will analyse well what needs to be assessed."

    Though not accepting any personal praise, Simeone lauded the support of Atletico's fans after another positive season in the Spanish capital.

    "The unconditional support we have with our people," he added. "What is happening this season, our strength at home that is repeated and repeated, and repeated…

    "It is not only because of what we can give. There is a passion that is extraordinary, unbeatable in that sense.

    "It makes us play with a plus. It exists, it is seen, I hope we can continue repeating it for a long time"

  • Juve must grow as a team to overcome slump, says Allegri Juve must grow as a team to overcome slump, says Allegri

    Juventus will need to grow as a team if they are to get out of their current slump, Bianconeri head coach Massimiliano Allegri said after their draw against relegated Salernitana on Sunday.

    Juve were on their way to a humiliating Serie A loss at home until Adrien Rabiot equalised in stoppage time for a 1-1 draw.

    It was a fifth straight league draw for Allegri's side, which has seen them slip to fourth, seven points behind second-placed Milan and level on 67 points with Bologna in third.

    "Anyone who has played football knows that even the great teams can experience a moment of difficulty when the games become tough. We will certainly have to grow," Allegri said.

    Their Coppa Italia final against Atalanta on Wednesday presents an opportunity for redemption.

    "The final against a team like Atalanta that has grown a lot will certainly be balanced," Allegri said. "It's a one-off game and we will have to try to make as few mistakes as possible."

    When asked about his future at the Turin club, Allegri stressed that he was focused on finishing the season.

    "Regarding my future, just be patient a little bit longer, in 10-15 days you'll know what will happen next year," he said.

    Regarding the match, the 56-year-old said the performance was not satisfactory but at least they did not lose.

    "We started reasonably well, then made a mistake in our decision-making. We became disjointed and we didn't hold our positions," he said.

    "You can't lose a match like that, otherwise you risk never picking yourselves back up again."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.