Randal Kolo Muani sends a warning to Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti after the equaliser against Cagliari. ‘When Nick Woltemade comes on, it gives me more freedom to move around.’
The Bianconeri have stuttered somewhat against the smaller sides so far this season, as they lost 3-2 to Sassuolo and were today held to a 1-1 draw by Cagliari.
Daniel Maldini had opened the scoring against the run of play, with Juve boasting 71 per cent possession at half-time and with very little to show for it.
Kolo Muani eventually nodded in the Kerim Alajbegovic cross at the back post on 81 minutes, and could’ve scored another moments later, volleying onto the underside of the crossbar.
Juventus thank Kolo Muani equaliser
“I am a little bit tense after this game, because I think we can finish with three points, but we missed a lot of occasions, so I am annoyed,” Kolo Muani told DAZN Italia.
Although substitute Alajbegovic provided the cross for the goal, it was the introduction of Nick Woltemade off the bench that seemed to make the biggest difference for Juventus, allowing Kolo Muani to not be the centre-forward.
“The coach said at half-time that we have a lot of the ball and needed to get it into the area with crosses, as there were bodies in the box, so when Woltemade came on there were more occasions and it was much better than the first half, but we can still do better,” confessed Kolo Muani.
“When Nick comes inside, he is big, can hold up the ball and worry the defenders, so it gives me more freedom to move around, get the ball, it is much better for me.”
Although he had found the net in the Europa League, this was the first Serie A strike of the season for Kolo Muani, who has been criticised for his performances.
“It is not a good situation for a striker when he doesn’t score, but I try to stay calm, the coach and the team trust me, I have to work hard and keep going. I scored today, but I want more and more.”