Pirlo: As usual, we make life complicated for ourselves

Juventus continued to drop points and see themselves on the verge of missing out on Champions League qualification with another debacle in Serie A action. Despite taking the lead early in the Derby della Mole, they found themselves behind Torino seconds into the second half before needing a late equalizer to rescue a point while virtually bidding farewell to any chance of catching Inter Milan at the top of the table.

Speaking after the game, coach Andrea Pirlo was at a loss to explain his side’s errors which cost them all three points.

“We had started well, taken the lead, and that’s the most difficult thing against teams that defend. As usual, we make life complicated for ourselves. We had hoped for a different second half, but we made that error straight away and had to get back into it.

“The error was similar to the one we conceded against Lazio, unfortunately these are happening a bit too often and we have these lapses in concentration.

“We must learn that we cannot lose concentration for even a second, because the moment we lose the ball, it’s only right that we are then punished.”

He saw his side create plenty of chances to win the game, but poor finishing at times combined with fatal mistakes defending ensured they had to come from behind to grab a point.

“When you play against teams that defend deep, it’s difficult to attack the space, so you have to go round the flanks and try to create some width. We do try these tactics, especially against sides who have five at the back.

“It’s important to get crosses in and above all put bodies into the box. After the second goal, we got the game back on track, hitting the woodwork and that chance with Cristiano. It’s only natural that against teams who pack their final third, we can’t move the ball quickly, as there aren’t any spaces.

“Mistakes happen, whether you are a player, a coach or a referee. We have to stay fully focused, stay on our toes and understand the moment we are going through. Some sharpness can be lacking after international duty, but we cannot afford to let go even for a moment now.”

The Bianconeri continue to slip down the table, now sitting in fourth place with Napoli tied on points just behind them and Juve facing a rescheduled fixture against the Partinopei on Wednesday.

“When you don’t win, you cannot be satisfied. We know that we have to improve, we’re trying to win games, as that helps everyone relax.

“We’re dropping a lot of points along the way so far this season and naturally we’ve got to do better.”

With Juve’s schedule clearing up with only the Scudetto to focus on, how was Pirlo using the additional time to prepare?

“We have to work on many football principles, such as positions and movements, finding more movement between the lines, especially against teams that defend deep.

“At the moment, we are making too many horizontal passes and that makes us predictable.”