Thiago Motta took full responsibility for Juventus' gentle 2-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League and said the Bianconeri got what they deserved.
The side of Motta had already protected their place in the play-offs of knockout phase that went eight in Matchday, but she saw the loss in Turin slip to the 20th in the rankings of 36 teams.
They will now enter the play-offs as a non-sown team, to either face the Serie A-rival AC Milan or Eredivisie Side PSV.
The defeat came after Juve saw their unbeaten domestic run stopped by Napoli last weekend, and they were booed by frustrated supporters at the Allianz Stadium.
“Today we did not deserve the victory. Benfica has made it and completed better than we,” Motta told reporters.
“Now we have to improve quickly, because on Sunday [versus Empoli] We have to play immediately.
“In Naples we played a good first half, today the first half was difficult. In the second half we did better, but not enough and they deserved to win.”
Juventus tried 17 shots to Benfica's 16 in the course of the game, but their total expected goals number were only 0.92 xg, compared to 2.4 for the visitors.
The Bianconeri have now lost five of their last eight Home Champions League matches, with none of their last 25 of such competitions that end the level (16 wins, nine defeats).
Motta refused to blame individuals and said: “After a defeat, I certainly don't want to point anyone at anyone.
“I am absolutely the one who is responsible, but the boys try to give their best. If there is a defeat, we are the first to be dissatisfied.
“There are things to improve quickly, because there is a game on Sunday.
“Today we were missing in the last meters. For the rest, little to say, because Benfica deserved the victory.”
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