Juventus: Vlahovic’s reaction to being subbed off sparks debate

May 7, 2022

Pressure mounts on Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic with fans and media discussing his reaction to being subbed off against Genoa yesterday.

The Serbia international hasn’t scored in the last three Serie A games and was quite disappointed when Max Allegri subbed him off against Genoa yesterday.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Vlahovic was unhappy with his performance rather than Allegri’s decision to replace him. The Italian tactician defended the striker after the match, saying he had put in a good performance.

The striker’s goal-per-minute ratio has risen since his move to Juventus, where he has managed one goal every 207 minutes. During the first part of the season at Fiorentina, he had netted once every 102 minutes.

“This was one of Vlahovic’s best games on a technical level. I am very pleased with the way he played with his technique,” he told DAZN.

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“I tried to explain it before, but I was attacked as if I was the one ruining Vlahovic. He hasn’t played that many Serie A games and we need to find a balance here.

“Maybe he didn’t realise it was a good performance, I think next season we will see a definite improvement in terms of how he balances out the tempo of his performance, learning that he hasn’t failed if he doesn’t score a goal, there’s more to it.”

The Serbia international was replaced after 75 minutes to let him rest ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final.

“I don’t agree with his reaction,” Former Serie A and Italy goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“It’s normal to score sometimes, he is taking it personally and this frustration is reflected in the way he plays. He must remain calm because Juventus need him to win the Coppa Italia.”

Fans on social media are also discussing Vlahovic’s performance and overall impact at Juventus. Contrary to Marchegiani, most fans blame Allegri and his defensive tactics for the striker’s drop. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 games since his move to the Allianz Stadium in January.