Juric: ‘Torino always missing that extra quality’

Ivan Juric is yet again left to rue wasted Torino opportunities after the 0-0 draw with Juventus and lists off the star names who have left the club during his tenure.

The coach had said he wanted to end the ‘taboo’ of failing to win a single edition of the Derby della Mole since taking this job three years ago.

However, he only managed a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and was sent off in the final minutes for dissent.

Valentino Lazaro could’ve won it in stoppages only to turn the header over the bar.

“It’s a pity, as our second half was spectacular, we barely let them past our midfield, we had lots of chances and it didn’t go well. Yet again, we didn’t convert our opportunities,” Juric told DAZN.

Following last week’s 3-2 defeat to Empoli, it leaves the Granata barely clinging on to their hopes of European qualification.

“I don’t think we have a lot of physical strength in the squad, we’re all pretty lightweight. We played well, but when you are missing bits and pieces, in the end that is the difference between the big teams and the ones who can only aspire to win these games. We lack that bit of quality.

“We have done very well over these three years, but also lost a lot of players who were on loan or had to be sold, it then takes time to rebuild every time.

“We lost players like Miranchuk, Belotti, Pobega, Bremer, Lukic, Pobega and more. We replaced them well, but are always missing that little extra. You might improve the centre-forward, but lose out elsewhere.

“It’s disappointing, because the team is doing so much well for a few months now and is just missing that extra.”

The problem is evident, as Torino have the fourth-best defence in Serie A and only the 15^th most prolific attack.

“There was a great coach who counted the goals he would get from his players. I expected more from our wingbacks and midfielders, they have to push forward too and go for goal. If they can score three or four, then it helps out.”

Torino have managed just five draws in their last 18 Serie A meetings with Juventus, the longest ever winless streak in Derby della Mole history.

“This is my life, you battle it out and try to improve. I have seen for five months and again today that my team competes at the highest level with everyone, we have the foundations, but are just missing that little bit extra.”

Juric was asked if he went into this thinking it would be his final Derby della Mole?

“No, I experienced it the same way as always. I am very proud of the lads, we are doing well, there is harmony within the club and we wanted a victory for the fans. Toro must always expect more and bring results that are suited to the history of this club.

“Toro’s ambition must be to challenge for Europe. If we don’t do that, it is not acceptable and not enough for the fans, so it is best to step aside.

“I want to end the season well, then we’ll see what to do next, but there is no tension.”