The boss delivered a press conference at the Estadio do Dragao
“Tomorrow’s match will be a real challenge – just look at how Porto have been doing - so we must be ready for a game that’s marked by sacrifice and suffering,” declared Massimiliano Allegri during his press conference on the eve of the Champions League Matchday 4.
“Porto come into this on the back of ten consecutive league wins. Their quality is there for all to see. Their coach, [Francesco] Farioli, has already achieved significant results in the past and has got a bright career ahead of him.
“Right now, we need to talk less and focus on delivering results on the pitch to turn this negative spell around. Tomorrow, either we put in a performance marked by great sacrifice and suffering, or we risk coming away battered and bruised.
“It’s not a ‘last chance saloon’ scenario yet. Our Champions League destiny is still in our hands, because I reckon that 10 points will be enough to make it to the next round. I think whether we qualify or not will be decided not just here in Portugal, but mainly in the final three matches in the league phase.
“This is a game that must be played full-throttle, while dealing diligently with situations. Making bold declarations today is pointless, given that the statistics show we haven't managed to string two consecutive wins together.
“What’s certain is that we must keep working hard, get all our players back to full fitness following the break, and look to turn things around in Serie A, where there is still plenty of time and opportunity for us to recover. For now, our focus is on tomorrow and the Champions League.”
