Max Allegri felt Juventus “went too deep" when leading Bayern Munich and explained his choices.
The Bianconeri were 2-0 up, but were pegged back to 2-2 in stoppages and fell 4-2 in extra time.
“It’s a shame to be eliminated after a performance like that, against a Bayern side that has extraordinary players,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“Football is wonderful because with a minute to go in the first half, Juan Cuadrado could’ve made it 3-0, Alvaro Morata had important chances and Stephan Lichtsteiner could’ve scored a crucial goal.
“Mario Mandzukic hit the goalkeeper square on in extra time and we could’ve opened it up again even after going 4-2 down.
“Winning 2-0 at half-time was not easy, we played with character and should’ve controlled the last two balls better. Above all on the first goal we should’ve put it out for a throw-in.”
Morata had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside in the first half, but Allegri shrugged off the questions.
“There’s no point talking about the referee. I only compliment my team. It was an important test for us, even with a new line-up we played on level terms with one of the favourites to win the Champions League.
“It’s a shame, we are upset, but have to put this aside because on Sunday there’s the Turin Derby and then the break will let us recover some of the injured players.”
Allegri was asked about his substitutions, specifically replacing man of the match Morata with Mario Mandzukic.
“I introduced someone fresh like Mandzukic who could hold the ball up. I thought Bayern’s two little defenders at the back couldn’t put up with him.
“Unfortunately, he then went very deep and they raised the two centre-backs. We should’ve been sharper in our goal-scoring opportunities and do some situations better.
“It’s a shame, as with the equaliser we should’ve been sharper and more clear-headed. They weren’t doing much at all and it wouldn’t have been a danger.
“After 70 minutes we lost intensity, that is football…”
The final goal was scored by Kingsley Coman, who is on a two-year loan with option to buy from Juventus.
“He had a good game and with the goal was able to run into open space. He’s improving a lot and can do very well in Germany, because he’s in a team eight steps above the rest and therefore has space to show his quality.”
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Gigi Buffon insists he is “proud of this team” and Juventus will learn from their extra time exit to Bayern Munich.
The Bianconeri fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in the first leg, while Bayern did the same at the Allianz Arena.
In extra time, Thiago Alcantara and Kingsley Coman secured the 4-2 victory on the night, 6-4 on aggregate.
“Football is made up of incidents. In the second half they played a very attacking game and converted their chances.
“It’s disappointing to concede at the 90th minute, but I am proud of this team,” the captain told Mediaset Premium.
“This is a defeat that needs to make us realise we’ve climbed another step up the ladder compared to last season.
“We have gone out with our heads held high.”
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Juventus director Beppe Marotta blamed the officials for their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich. “Errors at this level are costly.”
The Bianconeri had been 2-0 up at the Allianz Arena, but were pegged back to 2-2 in stoppages and capitulated 4-2 in extra time.
“The Alvaro Morata disallowed goal would’ve changed the face of the match. Certain errors at this level are costly, they make a big difference,” the director general told Mediaset Premium.
“I am not here to seek alibis, but I hope that in future Italian football is better protected. Certain refereeing performances are painful.
“I want to underline the great performance from the lads and the credit goes to our Coach. We must also remember the quality of Bayern.
“We almost achieved something remarkable, it’s a shame because it was a minute and a half from the end.
“Now we have to cancel out this memory, turn the page and think of Sunday’s derby against Torino. We want to do well, especially as the Serie A race is still open.”