Vlahovic ‘felt pain’ before substitution, Juventus ‘not happy’ with draw

Dusan Vlahovic reveals he felt ‘a twinge in the flexor’ so he was forced to be subbed off against Sporting CP, in a 1-1 draw that makes the Old Lady ‘absolutely not happy.’

Vlahovic scored the equaliser for the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening, contributing to a 1-1 draw in Round 4.

Tonight’s draw leaves Juventus with three points in four matches. The Serie A giants have yet to win a game in the Champions League this season.

Vlahovic has joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain in scoring at least nine goals in his opening 20 Champions League appearances with the club.

“It is a nice statistic, it’s pleasing, but I’d prefer to talk about today’s match,” the striker told Sky Sport (via TMW).

“We are absolutely not happy with the result, because we think that we played well, did better than them, even though Sporting are a strong side who can dominate teams. We reacted well and it was just a pity we couldn’t score more goals.

“I can only congratulate the coach and team for the performance, hopefully we can play like this and win. We want to win all four remaining matches now.”

Vlahovic is Juventus’ best scorer this season, but his contract expires at the end of the campaign, so his future is an obvious talking point. Would Vlahovic be happy to remain at Juventus?

Vlahovic on his Juventus future

“Yes, we talked, I am concentrated on the present and my only focus is Saturday’s game,” he replied.

“We will try to win, as it is the derby, that means a lot and won’t be easy, but we want the points.”

Vlahovic was substituted, and he revealed it was not a choice from Spalletti.

Vlahovic’s fitness issue before substitution

“I felt a twinge in the flexor, and I asked to come off. I don’t know if the coach wanted me to come off or not, I was sad not to finish the game, but I felt this pain,” he said.

“I speak for myself, I didn’t play much during pre-season, then didn’t play regularly, so I am still lacking a little something in terms of match fitness. I feel bad because I was unable to help the team to the final minute, but I’m trying to give 100 per cent of myself.”

Fabio Capello in the studio told Vlahovic off for going for the goal rather than passing it to McKennie, then they seemed to exchange angry words.

“I only realised afterwards what had happened, I realise it was not a good gesture, but all my teammates know it is just in the moment. I felt like it was a good position to score.”