Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri lauded his side for keeping their focus after Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off, as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Valencia on Wednesday.
Miralem Pjanic netted twice from the penalty spot for the Italian side, as they were forced to play with 10 men for 60 minutes after the Portuguese star was sent off.
Allegri believes his players did what was asked of them, and that they kept Valencia at bay despite their numerical disadvantage.
“The players did a great job tonight,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We weren’t put under pressure.
“After it was 2-0 we conceded a few shots, but that’s expected. When we were forced to play, we did that.
“Ronaldo’s sending off increased the tension, but the Champions League calls for a different type of focus. Valencia are a side that press you, and the stadium helps them, but we were great.”
Sami Khedira was forced off due to injury, and Allegri stated his substitution played a part in Paulo Dybala being kept on the bench.
“If Khedira didn’t hurt himself, [Dybala’s] inclusion would have been useful to attack the lines,” he added. “Incidents kept him on the bench, and it’s upsetting to keep him there.
“We needed more physicality and a stronger presence on set-pieces to start the match.”
Juventus take on Frosinone in Serie A action on Sunday.
