Bonucci Questions Juventus Mentality

Leonardo Bonucci (Twitter @ bonucci_leo19)

JAKARTA - Leonardo Bonucci complained about Juventus' lack of aggressiveness when they lost 0-1 to Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League last 16, Wednesday, February 26.

Maurizio Sarri's squad is very poor in opportunities when playing at the Groupama Stadium, Lyon's home to. They failed to take a single kick on goal. Meanwhile Lucas Tousart scored the only goal for the hosts in the 31st minute.

After the match, Bonucci criticized Juventus' approach in the first half. He asked his colleagues to get up in the second leg.

"Our first half was wrong," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We rarely get the ball. We slept too long, not aggressive enough and that is a matter of mentality. We should have woken up earlier."

"Now we have to focus on what awaits us on Sunday (the Serie A match against Inter), after which we really have to qualify in the second leg."

Full back Danilo agreed with his captain's statement. He said Juventus needed to replicate their second half form if they were to qualify for the last eight.

FT | ⏱ | It finishes here in Lyon, but we'll fight to turn it around in Turin. #OLJuve #JuveUCL #FinoAllaFine pic.twitter.com/Y56TurXXl8

- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) February 26, 2020

"We can't give a first half free to an opponent in such an important tournament," he said. "We are aware that we are doing that and need to work harder."

The former Manchester City and Real Madrid defender continued, Juventus must always play with the aggression they showed in the second half. Where at that time they were able to keep the ball practically all the time and showed more courage, more initiative.

"Playing in front of our fans in the second leg, it is our duty to press, push, score, win and qualify for the next round," concluded the Brazilian.