‘Bale more predictable than Isco’

Juventus boss Max Allegri feels Real Madrid are less predictable with Isco in their team but lose the “organisation” that Gareth Bale would give them.

Isco is almost certain to start the Champions League Final, as the player behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in a 4-3-1-2 system, with Bale paying the price for his recent calf injury and his teammate’s sparkling form.

“Bale is more organised and has more pace,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“Isco had an extraordinary season and gives a little more unpredictability, but can also create a lack of organisation and in those situations we need to be diabolical to pounce on every opportunity.

“We have already talked to the squad and prepared for either option. Bale is devastating when running into space and Real Madrid are so dangerous, they can counter with three passes and go clear on goal.

“With Isco they are more unpredictable, but also less organised in defence.

“Keylor Navas is an important player for Costa Rica, but also for Real Madrid, and has proved he could be there for many years.”

“Tomorrow Real Madrid might not score. Statistics are irrelevant tomorrow, because we need more hunger, determination and sacrifice.

“We have to play well, technically and tactically, to get the better of Real Madrid.”

Allegri then discussed former Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, who will line up against his former club in Cardiff, and the differences between his current Juve side and the one that lost to Barcelona in the 2015 Final.

“Gonzalo Higuain doesn’t have anything to prove,” he continued.

“He is a great player, has already showed he can score important goals, such as the two against Monaco, and even when not scoring has always put in good performances.

“Juventus have played eight Finals and lost six, but when you get to a Final, anything can happen.

“We didn’t come to Cardiff on holiday. We are here to bring home the trophy. The squad has the utmost focus and calm, the lads stepped up when they needed to and this is the first time in a very long time we’ve been able to train for a whole week.

“I am convinced tomorrow the lads will be sharp and put in a great performance. The most important moments of the game will be when Real Madrid have the upper hand, as we’ve got to give that little bit extra, make the most of our strengths and hit their weaknesses.

“Tomorrow is the Final. We mustn’t think of what happened a year ago, 20 years ago or 50 years ago. We just have to focus on what we must do to bring home that trophy. It’s very simple.

“We are in the right place at the right time. This team has everything it takes to play a great Final.

“In 2015 we reached the Final deservedly, but not with the belief we’ve got now, as Juventus were coming off a few years where we struggled in the Champions League. It wasn’t a fluke, but it was unexpected.

“We started the campaign with a different mindset and ambition. The way we approach the game, whether it’s Real Madrid, Barcelona or Monaco, is always the same and that’s something I am happy with.”

Tags Gareth Bale Isco Juventus Max Allegri
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