The new year is just around the corner, and in the last issue I summarized Juventus' performance in 2021 (Annual Summary: Transforming into "Sunset and Sunset", Juve has a long way to go in rebuilding). Today, I would like to look forward to the team's 2022 with you.
The league is back in the Champions League zone, can we squeeze any further
After Allegri's return, the team's current record is only fifth, which is lower than expected before the season. After all, Uncle Lu, who has a "metaphysical" aura, is stronger than Pirlo in terms of coaching experience and on-the-spot play.
But in fact, at the beginning of the season, the military was scattered, coupled with the light enemy, the team lost a lot of points that should not be lost. Despite desperately catching up at the end of the year, the team is still four points away from fourth place, hovering outside the Champions League zone. For a team that has won nine consecutive championships, the psychological gap is a bit large.
Losing weak teams such as Empoli and Sassuolo, losing strong teams such as Napoli and Atalanta, it was only two draws against Milan, playing vividly into the appearance of opponents in previous seasons. Because there are too many "debts" in front of it, and the Milan duo is becoming more stable, Atlanta is becoming more mature. This season in 2022, I don't dare to expect anything, as long as I am in the top four and into the Champions League zone.
Of course, it also depends on the face of UEFA, after all, the team still holds high the banner of "rebellion".
There is a breakthrough in the Champions League, and the farther you go, the better
Since Cristiano Ronaldo came, I have always had fantasies about Juventus' dream of winning the Champions League. Friends who have read my previous articles know that I always think that the first two Juventus Champions League defeats are the lack of a star like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Unfortunately, in the three years that C Ronaldo has been in the team, he has never entered the Final of the Champions League, but it is not as good as a year. Allegri led the team to the quarterfinals, but lost at the feet of Ajax, the youth army led by De Ligt; Sarri and Pirlo led the team for two years, both stopped in the round of sixteen due to the away goal disadvantage, and thought that the opponent was a big gift, but he thought that the big package was himself.
The fans were tired of being "unpopular" by their opponents for two consecutive years, becoming Sixteen Lang. In the documentary, C Ronaldo shed tears after losing to Porto, and perhaps from that moment on, he firmly believed in leaving. But as soon as C Ronaldo leaves, with the Zebras in today's lineup, how far can the Champions League go?
Allegri's Champions League record in the second period, except for the four-goal defeat to the defending champions at Stamford Bridge, the rest of the group stage was won and qualified as the first in the group. Compared with the league record, such results are already much better. After two draws, Juventus' first opponent in the knockout round was locked in the yellow submarine Villarell, will the always-seeking Allegri learn the lessons of the previous two seasons?
The Champions League champion put aside for the time being and advanced to the quarterfinals. What about the back? Resign yourself to fate! Let's see how far Juve in the second period of 囧 can "metaphysics".
What should be retained, that is the cornerstone of returning to the top
Poor performance often brings a lot of butterfly effects, such as the loss of stars. The departure of C Luo will make some sought-after stars even more eager. Just like your colleagues have jumped ship, you also have the urge to try it.
I hope De Ligt doesn't go. The little friends who have watched the ball this season know best that De Ligt is the most rescued player in front of goal. Good anticipation, a strong body, including his desire to win, are indispensable to Juventus. The most important thing is that he is young and can still peak for at least ten years.
Little Chieza's galloping earth wind has gained many fans who love him. At the same time, his kind of rushing hard work is like the Spirit of Juve that is about to disappear. Since becoming one of Italy's key contributors to the European Championship, Chiesa has become Europe's reddest future star. Statistically, Chiesa is also eye-catching, he ranks behind Ronaldo with 15 goals of the year, and is the current Juventus player who scored the most goals in 2021.
Winter window signings are not counted on, but hopefully the team can sign a strong midfielder next summer to make up for the shortcomings of the present. Of course, whether it is to retain people or buy people, the financial health of the team is fundamental.
I hope that the epidemic will dissipate as soon as possible in 2022...
Happy New Year to all!
(Ohashi Jun)