Points, not popularity, the priority for Juventus boss Allegri
Milan - Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri on Saturday swept aside criticism following defeat at Fiorentina last week, saying that points, not popularity, are the priority as the champion welcomes high-flying Lazio to Turin on Sunday.
Allegri has been deflecting flak the past week after a fourth defeat of the campaign for Juventus left Roma in second at just one point behind and Napoli in third at four points adrift.
But the Italian, who led Juventus to a record-equalling fifth consecutive title last season, says he's not in the job to win admirers.
"We've won a championship already this season - the one for criticism," Allegri told media.
"But the criticism that has been levelled at me and the club doesn't bother me. When I was at Milan and we were top of the league, it was the same.
"As long as I'm here, people will always criticise me. Maybe someone nicer than me will take over, but my job here is to secure results."
After Sunday's game in Turin, Juventus turn its attention to AC Milan in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, having lost twice recently to the resurgent Rossoneri - in the league and Supercoppa Italiana in Doha.
Juventus is then away to Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League on Feb. 22.
Juventus won its second successive league and cup double last season, having followed its 2015 Champions League final loss to Barcelona with elimination by Bayern Munich in the knockout round last term.
Allegri added: "Our aim is to get to March and still be in contention in all three competitions. We've lost four league games away from home but we've won another 15."
But as Juventus looks toward another club landmark in May, Roma, Napoli, Lazio and Milan are snapping at its heels.
Allegri admitted: "The championship has never been won in advance and never will be. Winning it isn't the norm, it's the exception.
"People expect us to win every game 3-0, but we have to suffer to win games, just like the rest of the league. You get nothing for free."
With right-sided defender Andrea Barzagli rested, Allegri is set to switch to a back four and will reshuffle his midfield amid the absence of Claudio Marchisio due to fatigue.
Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi, brother of former Milan striker Filippo, has steered the Biancocelesti to fourth at just five points behind Juventus.
If Lazio wins, it will be doing the rest of the league a favour, but Inzaghi said: "We know it's going to be a very difficult game. They'll be looking to bounce back after defeat to Fiorentina.
"But we're going to Turin to play for the win. We won't hold back because we've had a whole week to prepare for this game.
"Juventus have won their last 26 home games, but nothing is impossible in football."