Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus will only enter
transfer market for 'top' players

The Italian giants have been linked to the likes of Ever Banega and Ilkay Gundogan
so far in January, and their coach admits there could be movement in the squad.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/01/09/19151592/-?

Jan 9, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has revealed Juventus are looking to sign "a top player" in the January transfer window.

The reigning Serie A champions have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan and Sevilla's Ever Banega in recent weeks as they look to strengthen their midfield.

And Allegri has made it clear they will not hesitate to pounce if the opportunity arises.

"We have discussed the transfer plans with the board," the Juventus coach said at a news conference.

"We have come up with a strategy. We want to sign a top player to strengthen the team. If an opportunity comes up, we will take it.

"But it does not make sense to sign anyone if he does not really strengthen the team.

"Juve should always have top players in every department."

Allegri also had his say on the situation of promising youngster Daniele Rugani and stressed Juve have no intention of selling the defender.

"Rugani will stay with us," he added.

"We have no reason to sell young, promising talent. He is doing his thing and it is only normal that he wants to play. But we have some very good players in defence.

"He is a young player and will stay at Juventus for the next few years."

[Socrates 8386]

Picking Guardiola ahead of Allegri
is yet another embarrassment for Fifa

The Catalan only managed to claim the Bundesliga with Bayern last term yet has been
shortlisted for World Coach of the Year ahead of the double-winning Juventus boss.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2016/01/10/19011572/pep-over-allegri-another-fifa-farce?ICID=TP_HN_1

Jan 10, 2016

It has become increasingly difficult to take any Fifa vote seriously - including the one for the Ballon d'Or.

From Wesley Sneijder failing to make the top three in 2010 to Carlos Tevez and Gianluigi Buffon being inexplicably left off this year's 23-man longlist, there have been a string of farcical decisions by the coaches, captains and journalists tasked with selecting the greatest player on the planet.

However, it is not just the top prize that has been affected. The World Coach of the Year accolade has also produced some ridiculous results. Indeed, quite how Diego Simeone failed to get the nod last year, after pulling off one of the great coaching achievements of the modern era by leading Atletico Madrid to Liga glory ahead of both Barcelona and Real, is anyone's guess. Still, at least Simeone finished in the final three. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri did not even make this year's shortlist - and yet Pep Guardiola, who is not even attending the ceremony in Zurich, did.

Karl Heinz-Rummenigge claimed after Bayern Munich's Champions League elimination last May that "there is an anti-Guardiola trend at the moment within society." It certainly doesn't feel that way, though. Not anymore, at least. Not when Guardiola can get nominated for the World Coach of the Year after a 2015 in which his Bayern Munich side won nothing other than the Bundesliga, while double-winning Juventus boss Allegri criminally missed out despite putting the Old Lady back among Europe's elite.

Of course, it would be disrespectful to suggest that winning the German title with Bayern requires next to no expertise, as Jose Mourinho did last year when he snidely stated: "Maybe I will go to a country where a kitman can be coach and win the title."

However, it was difficult to feel any great sympathy for Guardiola when he suggested that Bayern are not getting the credit they deserve for their domestic dominance. "No club has ever won four Bundesliga titles a row. You don't understand how hard it is to win it."

Hard is trying to win it with Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen - or even Borussia Dortmund. Bayern, after, all have lifted the last three championships - Pep is responsible for the last two - and they wrapped up last year's title before the end of April.

Of course, Guardiola deserves respect for the way in which Bayern have bossed the Bundesliga. The likes of Jens Lehmann and Michael Ballack believe that Bayern are actually a better side now than they were when they won the treble under Jupp Heynckes - in spite of the fact that they have been beaten in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the past two seasons.

New Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane even went so far as to say that "since Pep went to Bayern, I have not seen them in a bad game". That is an exaggeration but there is no denying that Bayern have developed under Guardiola this season; become a more rounded, effective side.

Whereas Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer once complained that Guardiola was making Bayern "unwatchable", too one-dimensional and solely focused on retaining possession, they now have more strings to their bow, with the arrivals of wingers Douglas Costa and Kingsley Coman having done wonders for their ability to break down deep-lying defences.

However, the fact of the matter remains that for all of Bayern's progression, which could yet end in a treble triumph next summer, 2015 was hardly a stellar year for the Bavarians - or their revered coach. Indeed, Guardiola's year simply does not warrant comparison with that of Allegri.

Yes, the Italian took over a Juventus side that had won three consecutive Scudetti under Antonio Conte. However, Allegri not only maintained the Old Lady's grip on the Italian game, he actually strengthened it, leading the Bianconeri to another league title as well as a first Coppa Italia triumph in 20 years.

Furthermore, it is worth remembering that Allegri's appointment in July of 2014 was met with open hostility in Turin. Yet Allegri achieved something that Conte could not, success in Europe, by taking Juve all the way to the final of the Champions League, where they were only undone by the individual brilliance of Barcelona's stellar forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Indeed, Juve were on top, bossing Barca's much-vaunted midfield when Suarez put the Catalans back in front very much against the run of play. Allegri really didn't put a foot wrong, tactically, against either last-four opponents Real Madrid or eventual champions Barca.

The Italian also did all this at a club who, according to 2015's Deloitte Football Money League, make more than €200 million less in revenue a year than Pep's Bayern.

Guardiola, meanwhile, came up short in his biggest test of the year - Bayern's semi-final showdown with Barca. Guardiola made the colossal mistake of going man for man against the 'MSN' at Camp Nou before realising after 15 chaotic minutes that he needed to revert to a four-man defence.

Of course, Messi's genius decided the game in Barca's favour but Bayern had also been punished for naively pushing forward in the closing stages, gifting a late breakaway goal to Neymar that effectively put the tie beyond the Bavarians.

Guardiola remains the most innovative coach in world football, a true tactical genius, but the pervading feeling is that Bayern have yet to peak under Pep. Admirable character that he is, he appreciates that European success remains the barometer by which his time at the Allianz Arena will be judged. "Without winning the Champions League, my time here would not be perfect, I understand that."

Essentially, Guardiola has yet to live up to expectations in Munich; Allegri has already surpassed them in Turin, making yet another mockery of yet another horribly flawed, Fifa-run voting process.

[Socrates 8386]

‘Juventus can beat Bayern’

http://www.football-italia.net/78362/%E2%80%98juventus-can-beat-bayern%E2%80%99

Jan 14, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus “have an excellent opportunity to progress” against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri face the German giants in the Last 16 of the competition, having finished second in their group thanks to a last day defeat at Sevilla.

“Knowing what I’ll say to the team the day before the game is difficult, because it’s still two and a half months away,” Allegri explained to JTV.

“What I can say is that we’re facing a big Last 16 tie, one that’s harder than all the others in the Last 16.

“We know we’re facing a top team in Bayern, we have an excellent opportunity to progress, but in these games it also takes some luck.

“We’re looking at things positively though, if we go through we’ll have eliminated one of the Champions League favourites.

“We had an almost perfect group, because perfection exists, focusing on the last match against Sevilla because it would have allowed us to finish the group stage unbeaten and above everyone.”

Allegri also took the time to thank the Juve fans, after recovering from a poor start to the season.

“I thank all the fans who support us, and support the team in every game, but we’re only halfway.

“I’d say that we changed a lot of players this year, 10 changes in total and that’s not few.

“We have a lot of youngsters, who are growing thanks to a core of older players who have helped and are helping them grow.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus are flying but
title will go to the wire

The 48-year-old is thrilled with his side's recent form,
but says the race to be crowned champions is "unbelievably tight".

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/01/14/19336832/-?

Jan 14, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has voiced his delight with Juventus' ominous form but says he expects the Serie A title race to go right to the wire.

The reigning champions are on a nine-game winning streak in the league and, despite a poor start to the season, now sit just two points behind leaders Napoli.

Allegri told Juventus TV: "We didn't make a great start but now we're flying. Our goal is to win the Serie A title.

"The toughest of our recent wins? Tough question! I'll go for the 3-1 win over Fiorentina.

"I was concerned before our first game after the winter break versus Verona. Getting back into the swing of things is always tricky after a break.

"The title race is unbelievably tight and I think it will go right to the wire."

Allegri also touched on Juventus' Champions League round-of-16 tie with Bayern Munich and is optimistic about their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals.

"We got dealt one of the toughest Champions League draws but we believe that we can reach the last eight," he added.

"The atmosphere is top class at Juventus Stadium and has the power to carry the boys through tough moments."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri says Paulo Dybala, Carlos Tevez comparisons aren't fair

Manager's post-match quotes.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/19/10785140/allegri-dybala-tevez-comparisons-not-fair-juventus-udinese

Jan 19, 2016

After Juventus' dominant 4-0 win at Udinese yesterday, manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media about a variety of topics, including star Paulo Dybala who scored twice and was involved in the other two goals as well. The comparisons with fellow Argentine and former Juve striker Carlos Tevez were bound to happen after Dybala matched Tevez' output at the same stage of the season with eleven Serie A goals so far.

"They are two different players, both in age and technical characteristics.

"Dybala has his entire career ahead of him, he is a very balanced guy and knows what he wants. Paulo has improved a lot but we must not put pressure on him.

"He has improved a great deal, but let's leave comparisons to one side. He can still do better, as everyone can.

"I am happy with this squad, as the strength in depth means I can rest players."

Allegri also insisted that League leaders Napoli continued to be favorites for the Serie A title, despite Juve being only two points behind Maurizio Sarri's side.

"Napoli are going at a remarkable tempo, so they are the Scudetto favourites for now, but there are still five teams up there who have a chance of winning the title."

He went on to explain his side's earlier season woes.

"We missed many things in the first half of the season, but I was not worried because we changed so much over the summer. A period of adjustment was only to be expected. We still have a lot of work to do and can improve further.

"We need to work on our physique, but also on the quality of our football and not misplacing so many passes. We are already getting better, but must do more."

"The players were not playing at the level they are now. I was without Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic had injury problems during the first two months.

"After last term's efforts, there was always a risk of needing some time to reach peak condition for the current campaign.

"There were also some unfortunate incidents, for example the draw with Frosinone, when we conceded from their only corner kick. It was, however, almost predictable that such things occurred in that period, as we were all taking too many things for granted."

He finished off by speaking about Kwadwo Asamoah, who replaced Paul Pogba after the youngster was left out of the side with flu-like symptoms.

"Kwadwo Asamoah is a reliable player with great technique. Unfortunately he had this knee injury that means I can't use him all the time, but he's always impressive when called upon."

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus manager Max Allegri: We must
be aware we’ve achieved nothing yet

Manager's post-match quotes after Juventus won 1-0 at Lazio to go into the semis of the Coppa.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/21/10801984/allegri-not-achieved-nothing-yet-juventus-lazio-coppa

Jan 21, 2016

Juventus ground out a narrow 1-0 win at Lazio today in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Swiss Express Stefan Lichtsteiner got the only goal of the game to put the Bianconeri through to the semis where they will take on Inter Milan. The other match of the final four will feature Lega Pro club Alessandria and AC Milan. The fist leg of the round will be played on January 27th at Juventus Stadium, with the return fixture on March 2nd at the San Siro.

After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri commended opponents Lazio -

"I have to compliment Lazio, as the first half was very balanced and they kept a high tempo.

"Juventus lifted the tempo after the break, played a solid game and allowed not a single genuine shot on target, then we had several chances to finish it off.

"I compliment the lads, as this was in no way an easy match. I don't like the term ‘squad rotation,' as I have a very competitive team and it is always difficult to leave players out.

"Simone Zaza did well, Alvaro Morata improved in the second half and Martin Caceres worked very hard, which is important because we need him. To go forward in three competitions we need the entire squad to be in good physical and psychological shape.

"We must keep our feet on the ground and be aware we've achieved nothing yet."

When asked about the upcoming semi-final against Inter Milan -

"It will be a wonderful semi-final, you have to face the biggest clubs to reach the end, but right now we are focused on this weekend's meeting with Roma."

On whether the Scudetto is a battle of three teams -

"Absolutely not. There are 18 games left, the top five are all still in it. We are currently in good form but we must maintain it."

Would beating Roma put them out of the title race for good -

"It'll be a good game. It's going to be difficult but we'll play to win."

Allegri was also questioned by the media regarding the touchline incident between Inter manager Roberto Mancini and Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri yesterday -

"I daren't judge what others do, especially as I say you need to find yourself in certain situations. I will say we managers ought to set an example with our behaviour, as we are the leaders of this team and even under moments of pressure and tension we should try to maintain our calm. It's not easy, but we should calm the situation and not stir up further tension."

What would he say to Sarri -

"I'm not involved, it's not right to make judgements on my colleagues. We're talking about football, there was a good game today. The prosecutor will decide."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri top choice for Chelsea

http://www.football-italia.net/78775/allegri-top-choice-chelsea?

Jan 22, 2016

The Sun claims that Juventus Coach Max Allegri is the first choice to take over at Chelsea next season.

This is certainly not the first time that Allegri has been linked with the Stamford Bridge job, left vacant after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

Allegri also made no secret of his desire to one day work in the Premier League.

According to SunSport, Chelsea put the Italian top of their wish-list and have contacted him to discuss next season, offering up to £6m per season – double his current wages in Turin.

However, Allegri is under contract with Juventus until June 2017 and director Beppe Marotta repeatedly noted there was no intention of interrupting this rapport early.

Allegri was met with cynicism and even consternation when he replaced popular Antonio Conte in 2014, two days after pre-season training had already begun.

He won the naysayers over by taking Juve to a fourth consecutive Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and above all the Champions League Final.

[Socrates 8386]

Max Allegri says Juventus must focus on what lies ahead

Manager's comments after Juve beat Inter 3-0 in the first leg of the Coppa semi.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/28/10853852/juventus-manager-max-allegri-focus-ahead-inter-coppa-italia-derby-d-italia?

Jan 28, 2016

Juventus thrashed old rivals Inter Milan 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium to take a commanding lead after the first leg of the semifinal round of the Coppa Italia. A brace by out-of-form striker Alvaro Morata and a third from in-form forward Paulo Dybala put the Bianconeri in pole position of this tie.

After the game, Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the press:

On the form of Morata -

"Morata had put in some good performances recently and gone close to a goal.

"He did well tonight technically, physically, kept his cool converting the penalty - which wasn't easy - and did well to score the second goal.

"I realize a striker gets sad when he doesn't score goals, I understand that, but it's not as if Morata lost all his talent in a couple of months."

On how Juventus are playing currently -

"At this moment Juventus are in good shape, we put in a good performance against a strong Inter side. We were organised defensively, could've done better creating chances going forward, but at this moment the lads are giving the fans and club some great satisfactions.

"We are still second in Serie A, so must try to reach first, and the semi-final of the Coppa Italia isn't over yet.

"When you get a lot of victories in two months, you do tend to think about what has been achieved. We mustn't do that. We have to press the reset button, put a wall behind us and focus on what we can do going forward.

"We are two points behind Napoli, now it's a mini-League of 17 rounds and we have to focus on being better than Napoli in that period."

On maintaining the tempo up leading up to playing Bayern Munich in the Champions League -

"I don't like the word maintain, as that means resting on our laurels. We need to improve and the lads know that's what we are working on.

"Bayern Munich will respect us just as we respect them. It'll be a great round of 16, in the Champions League knockouts you need a bit of luck too and never can tell what is going to happen.

"This will be a valuable experience for the many young players we have who are new to this level of the Champions League.

"I always say Juventus have to play on level terms with any opponent, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"Naturally, we both think we could've had a better draw!"

On the persistent Chelsea rumors -

"At this moment there are other things to think about. I have a contract until June 2017, I am happy at Juventus. In football it's the results that count. So far we have done good things, but we haven't achieved anything yet.

"Even in the Coppa Italia semi-final there's a 3-0 first leg result, but we still have to play another 90 minutes at San Siro."

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus Line Up Potential Allegri Replacement

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/juventus-line-up-potential-allegri-replacement/?

Jan 28, 2016

Should Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri decide to take charge of Chelsea in the summer, the Old Lady are weighing up former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli as a potential replacement.

In four years coaching the South Americans, Argentinian-born Sampaoli transformed the also-rans into 2015 Copa America winners through a dynamic and attacking 3-4-3 tactical system.

With Allegri being heavily linked as the successor to interim coach Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge, Spanish newspaper Sport believe that the Bianconeri are already setting up a plan B with the 55-year-old resigning as Chile coach earlier in the month.

These rumours will likely alert several top clubs across Europe, not only that Allegri is intimated as the leading candidate for the Blues job but also that Juve are on the search for a new coach having reportedly made contact with Sampaoli in the last few days.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus Move To Block Chelsea’s Allegri Advances

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-move-to-block-chelseas-allegri-advances/?

Feb 1, 2016

While most Serie A clubs have been scrambling to secure their final winter transfer deals, Juventus are looking ahead to summer in the hope of re-signing coach Massimiliano Allegri as well as bolstering their squad.

Despite being contracted to the Bianconeri until June 2017, the 48-year-old has been touted as a potential successor to Guus Hiddink at Chelsea along with the likes of Diego Simeone and Antonio Conte.

The former AC Milan coach is now considered by many to be amongst Europe’s elite coaching ranks following his Serie A success with his last two clubs as well as leading Juventus to last season’s Champions League final.

As Calciomercato reports, the Old Lady is keen to renew the Italian’s contract as soon as possible to divert external interest and ensure his stay in Turin beyond the current campaign.

However it is not just the coaching ranks that Juventus are looking to finalise, with a deal for Empoli playmaker Riccardo Saponara said to have been all but confirmed.

It is believed the deal would potentially be worth €15 million, in addition to the Turin-bound Pescara striker, Gianluca Lapadula, being loaned out to the Azzurri.

[Socrates 8386]

Report: Massimiliano Allegri agrees
four-year deal with Chelsea

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/news/allegri-agrees-four-year-chelsea-deal_265773.html

Feb 4, 2016

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly agreed a deal with Chelsea to become the club's next manager.

The Blues are still searching for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho having appointed Guus Hiddink only until the end of the current campaign.

The likes of Diego Simeone, Antonio Conte, Jorge Sampaoli and outgoing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini have all been linked with the role, but Italian website Calciomercato reports that Allegri has now agreed a four-year deal.

The report goes on to state that Allegri was Roman Abramovich's first choice and has already been presented with a pre-contract from the Premier League outfit.

The 48-year-old, who is contracted to Juventus until 2017, won the league and cup double and reached the final of the Champions League during his debut season in charge of the Old Lady last year.

Juve got off to a slow start to the current campaign, but have since won 13 Serie A matches on the bounce to close within two points of leaders Napoli.

[Socrates 8386]

RUMOURS: Allegri signs four-year Chelsea deal

The Premier League champions are reported to have already secured the services
of the Juventus manager on a deal worth £5.3 million a season.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/02/05/20019902/-?

Feb 5, 2016

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has already signed a contract and will take over from Guus Hiddink as Chelsea manager in the summer, according to Calciomercato.com.

Chelsea have been in the market for a new boss since Jose Mourinho was axed in Decemeber, and although Hiddink has steadied the ship on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run, he is not thought to be the long-term solution at Stamford Bridge.

Allegri, 48, is currently contracted to Juventus until 2017 but is reported to have already penned a four-year deal worth £5.3 million a season with the Premier League champions.

[Socrates 8386]

Chelsea prepare Allegri offer?

http://www.football-italia.net/79442/chelsea-prepare-allegri-offer?

Feb 5, 2016

Reports in Britain claim Chelsea will offer Juventus Coach Max Allegri a €10m per year contract to take over this summer.

The tactician took the Bianconeri to the brink of the treble last season, and has overseen a club-record 13 wins in a row this season.

General manager Giuseppe Marotta has declared that Allegri is going nowhere, but that hasn’t stopped speculation.

British newspaper the Sun claims that the Blues are ready offer Allegri a €39m [£30m] four-year deal to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Allegri still has an 18-month contract with the Old Lady, and has joked that he’ll only leave if the club fires him.

[Socrates 8386]

What Is Next for Juventus If
Massimiliano Allegri Leaves for Chelsea?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2614066-what-is-next-for-juventus-if-massimiliano-allegri-leaves-for-chelsea?

Feb 5, 2016

Chelsea's managerial search has landed in Italy.

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri is earmarked as owner Roman Abramovich's favourite, with Italian outlet CalcioMercato.com (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express) reporting the Londoners have agreed a four-year deal.

Nothing official has been announced by either party, nor should there be any expectation. There are still a handful of managers linked with Stamford Bridge's dressing room, but if speculation is fact, and Allegri is to exchange his position with Juventus for Chelsea, the Italian side would be left in limbo.

Allegri took over at Juventus Stadium in 2014 from now-Italy manager Antonio Conte (also linked with Chelsea, as documented by the Daily Mail's Kieran Gill), winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in his first year.

This season did not begin as expected, with the four-time defending champions beginning their Serie A defence in 15th place after six matches, but Allegri has rallied his troops. Twelve consecutive wins have catapulted Juve from 12th to second position, just three points behind leaders Napoli, who visit Turin on February 13.

Mirroring Chelsea's horrific start, Juventus suffered a possible case of "Golden-Badge Syndrome" but were able to correct themselves without sacking Allegri and are Europe's best side on current form. The appeal to having that manager, witnessing what has transpired in London, makes sense for Abramovich—but if you are Juve president Andrea Agnelli, not so much.

Conte's reign started with an invincible title, and contained four more domestic trophies. After he left to manage his country, Allegri (who enjoyed both success and failure with AC Milan) was recruited to replace what was left behind. Juve allowing an under-contract manager to leave could have repercussions.

Chelsea HQ @Chelsea_HQ
#Chelsea contacted Allegri and his representatives at the start of the month, and have been encouraged by what they heard. [The Sun]

Serie A has rapidly improved in the five seasons since Juventus' dominance began, so hiring a third successive, successful manager carries the risk of a mistake. Allegri's style has connected with Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chellini and others—disrupting that apparent chemistry could backfire.

That said, one cannot make all their decisions based on the worst-case scenario. If Allegri to west London is plausible—an acceptable assertion at the present moment—Juventus require a contingency plan.

The Old Lady have had just one non-Italian manager in the past 42 seasons (Didier Deschamps in 2006/07, returning Juve to Serie A after a match-fixing scandal). It would stand to reason, therefore, an Italian would continue this streak.

A slight issue exists, though: Outside of Conte—who might be convinced of returning after UEFA Euro 2016 with more transfer power—no world-class Italian manager is available to coach (one suspects Fabio Capello would dispute this claim).

What happens after 2015/16 in terms of sackings/"mutual consents" might release this notion, but if February is when Chelsea are planning to raid all available managerial options, Juventus must keep pace.

Juve must hope Chelsea's attention is diverted elsewhere—possibly to Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone—rather than focusing/settling on Allegri.

Situated in an affluent corner of London, playing in the world's largest domestic sporting competition and having the proverbial bar set relatively low after a shocking 2015/16, Allegri would be well within his rights entertaining Stamford Bridge; that idea must worry Agnelli and his constituents.

As world superpowers prepare to descend on Pogba and Paulo Dybala this summer, Juventus cannot lose Allegri and expect to maintain their stranglehold on an ever-improving Serie A.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Juve, keep winning'

http://www.football-italia.net/79469/allegri-juve-keep-winning?

Feb 5, 2016

Coach Max Allegri hopes 'Juventus keep winning, the way they always did over their history'.

The 48-year-old was handed a prize as the outstanding sportsman of Piedmontese origin today, and he released a brief statement for the Press.

“I hope Juventus keep winning, the way they've done not just over the last four years, but always in their history,” he declared, before leaving.

He resolutely ignored questions about his alleged link to Chelsea.

[Socrates 8386]

RUMOURS: Chelsea begin Conte talks

The former Juve boss is the Blues' main managerial target and has met
with representatives twice already as he considers a move to Stamford Bridge.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/02/06/20052512/-?

Feb 6, 2016

Chelsea have entered negotiations with Italy head coach Antonio Conte and believe they can persuade the former Juventus boss to take over following Euro 2016.

According to the Daily Express, Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone and current Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri are high on Chelsea's list of possible candidates to replace Guus Hiddink but Conte remains their main priority.

the 46-year-old has been taking English lessons with a view to a Premier League move and met with Chelsea's representatives for the second time at the end of the January, believed to be ready to alert the Italian FA on his future plans in February.

[Socrates 8386]

Sassuolo And Fiorentina Coaches
Interest Juventus Should Allegri Leave

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/sassuolo-and-fiorentina-coaches-interest-juventus-should-allegri-leave/?

Feb 6, 2016

Amid Chelsea interest in Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri the Serie A giants are considering a move for Paulo Sousa of Fiorentina or Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco.

It is not only the former AC Milan man being shortlisted by the Blues to replace interim boss Guus Hiddink; Italian national coach Antonio Conte is another target for a summer move.

giornalaccio rosa dello Sport report that tensions have arisen at the Gigliati in recent weeks despite Sousa’s strong start in Tuscany with the Portuguese tactician unable to dismiss a potential exit to a fifth new job in as many seasons.

Meanwhile Italian Di Francesco has been at the forefront of Sassuolo’s impeccable rise through the divisions, currently maintaining a strong challenge to the top-half of Serie A.

It is believed that Chelsea can offer the current Juve coach a four-year deal worth €10 million a season.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Chelsea Don’t Interest Me,
I’m Happy At Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/allegri-chelsea-dont-interest-me-im-happy-at-juventus/?

Feb 6, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri distanced himself from rumours that he is set to take over at Chelsea at the end of the season.

The Bianconeri boss also insisted that the side are not getting ahead of themselves as they sit in second while competing for the Scudetto ahead of their trip to Frosinone.

“Everything has its own time, it doesn’t make sense to talk about it now,” said Allegri to reporters when asked about Chelsea.

“Today, I am happy here, I have a contract with Juventus and I intend to stay here for the future of this team.”

The 48-year-old was also asked about the different mentalities at Juventus and Napoli.

“With Napoli only [Maurizio] Sarri can know,” Allegri added.

“At Juventus, after the win over Hellas Verona there was great euphoria but the Genoa game was one which brought us back down to earth.”

The former AC Milan coach also admitted that he has not problem with grinding out results without playing particularly well.

“Let’s not forget that last season we went through periods when we won a lot of games 1-0,” Allegri went on.

“There are times when you don’t play as well but you can pick up wins in dirtier games.

“Winning those also increases the chances of winning the Scudetto.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri 'happy' at Juventus
amid Chelsea reports

The Juve boss has played down speculation linking him with the Blues
job at the end of the season and reiterated he is happy at the club.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/02/06/20062452/allegri-plays-down-chelsea-rumours?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2

Feb 6, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has unfinished business with the Serie A champions following fresh reports suggesting he is set to become the Chelsea manager next season.

Speculation in Italy on Friday suggested the Premier League club have targeted Allegri as the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho when Guus Hiddink's interim reign comes to a close at the end of the season.

The former Milan boss refused to discuss his future beyond this season yet reiterated he is happy at the club.

He told reporters: "When it comes to my future, all will be known in good time.

"Today what I will say is, as I have said before, that I’m happy here. I have a contract until 2017 and we are working well.

"We have many commitments and three important goals to achieve. For the future, we do not talk about anything."

Juve travel to lowly Frosinone on Sunday, before taking on leaders Napoli in a top-of-the-table clash at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday.

Allegri's side boast a club-record 13-game winning run in league ahead of their trip to Frosinone but after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Genoa in midweek, Allegri warned of taking points for granted.

"Outside there is a lot of euphoria but Wednesday's game [against Genoa] has brought us down to earth, there are no easy games," he added.

"The title race is not just between Juventus and Napoli. There is also Inter, Fiorentina, Roma and AC Milan. We do not forget that 15 games ago we were way behind. Anything can happen.

"Tomorrow we have to win to get to the clash with Napoli in the best way. We must not make calculations as in the home game against Frosinone we dropped two points."

Juve will be without Patrice Evra for this weekend's clash due to illness while Kwadwo Asamoah, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic also remain absent.

[Socrates 8386]

Juve post-Allegri options

http://www.football-italia.net/79526/juve-post-allegri-options?

Feb 7, 2016

Chelsea continue to be linked to Max Allegri, so Juventus alternatives include Paulo Sousa, Eusebio Di Francesco and Jurgen Klopp.

Despite his insistence that he is happy at Juve and has a contract to 2017, papers in Italy and England are still leading with the story Allegri is considering an offer from Chelsea.

He has apparently surpassed current Italy boss Antonio Conte in the pecking order and would receive wages worth €6m per year, rising to €7m.

Now La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is considering the potential replacements should Allegri leave for Stamford Bridge.

These include the improbable swoop for new Liverpool manager Klopp.

More likely are Sousa, who is increasingly frustrated with Fiorentina’s lack of transfer activity, and current Sassuolo Coach Di Francesco.

[Socrates 8386]

Marotta: 'Juve can keep Allegri'

http://www.football-italia.net/79539/marotta-juve-can-keep-allegri

Feb 7, 2016

Juventus director Beppe Marotta shrugged off Chelsea interest. “The conditions are there to continue with Max Allegri.”

The Bianconeri are two points off the top of the table and face leaders Napoli next Saturday.

“We have a great rapport with Allegri, now the crucial moment of the season is coming up, so we should focus on that,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

“In any case, contracts are not as important as the rapport between people. With Allegri the conditions are all there to continue.

“The team is doing well and improving a great deal. Today it’ll be a festival of sport against Frosinone, but we still want to win.

“Who would be most suited to Chelsea between Antonio Conte and Allegri? They are both top Coaches.”

[Socrates 8386]

Massimiliano Allegri shouldn't leave
Juventus for Chelsea - Beppe Marotta

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2803405/massimiliano-allegri-should-not-leave-juventus-for-chelsea

Feb 7, 2016

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta does not see any reason why coach Massimiliano Allegri would want to move to Chelsea, saying that he is already at a big club.

Allegri, who led Juve to a Serie A and Coppa Italia Double last season, as well as to the final of the Champions League, is the latest manager to be linked with the Blues ahead of next season.

The 48-year-old stated at the weekend that he is happy in Turin and is only focusing on the task in hand, insisting that nothing else matters right now.

That, however, has not stopped the speculation surrounding Allegri and Marotta says he would have to think long and hard before accepting any offer for his coach.

"Chelsea are a top club and it's obvious that they are evaluating coaches who are worthy of working there, but all I can say is that Allegri is already at a top club and if I were him, I would think twice before leaving Juventus," Marotta told Mediaset television.

"We speak with Allegri every day and we have a relaxed relationship with him, and there are all the conditions to continue working with this coach."

Allegri's contract expires in 2017, but another Italian who has been linked with the Chelsea job -- Italy coach Antonio Conte -- is available to take over in the summer.

"Conte and Allegri are both top coaches and considering Chelsea are a top club, they could be among the candidates," Marotta added. "I wouldn't know what Conte's plans are for the future, but clearly 'made in Italy' is still a big draw in the coaching market."

Conte's contract as Italy coach expires after Euro 2016 and he seems set to return to club coaching next season.

He led Juve to three straight Serie A titles before walking out on the side in preseason 18 months ago and became Italy coach just weeks later.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri will accept Chelsea's
fantastic offer, says Galeone

The Juventus coach is reportedly a front-runner for the job at Stamford Bridge
and his former coach believes he will accept an offer from Roman Abramovich.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2016/02/09/20154002/-?

Feb 9, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri will leave Juventus and take over as Chelsea coach at the end of the season, according to his former boss Giovanni Galeone, who believes Roman Abramovich has made him a big offer.

The Italian coach has won Serie A titles with AC Milan and Juve, targeting a third with his current side as they continue on a 14 game winning streak in the league.

Allegri has been linked with a move to Chelsea as Guus Hiddink's replacement at the end of the season, though he has continued to play down a move to the Premier League with his contract at Juve not due to expire until 2017.

But Galeone, who coached Allegri during his playing career, believes the 48-year-old Italian is well equipped to succeed in England.

"I think Max will go to Chelsea and will do very well," the 75-year-old told Radio Radio .

"Allegri is doing incredible things, even if the club failed to buy the players he requested last summer: from Mario Gotze, to Isco.

"He will leave Italy, and I see him going to England because the deal Roman Abramovich has offered is really fantastic.

"As one of the five best coaches in the world, he has to leave Juventus, it makes no sense for him to stay in Italy."

The Bianconeri currently sit two points behind Serie A leaders Napoli, whom they face on Saturday.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri rubbishes Chelsea links

The Juventus boss is among the reported candidates to succeed
Guus Hiddink but insists he 'wants the subject closed at once'.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/02/09/20181302/-?

Feb 9, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has rubbished reports linking him with a summer move to Chelsea.

The 48-year-old, who won the domestic double and also reached the Champions League final with Juventus last year, has been tipped to replace Guus Hiddink at the end of the season.

“There is nothing to the Chelsea links,” Allegri said at the Amici dei Bambini youth tournament on Tuesday.

“I cannot confirm or deny something that does not exist, all I want is for this subject to be closed at once.”

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus manager Max Allegri denies
latest round of Chelsea rumors — again

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/10/10953832/juventus-manager-max-allegri-denies-chelsea-rumors-again

Feb 10, 2016

Ever since he's taken over at Juventus, Max Allegri has won a lot of games. Because of that, it's suddenly made a guy who was considered a so-so kind of replacement to now being linked with one of the bigger job vacancies there will be come the summer months.

Both reports in England and Italy have linked Allegri to the managerial job at Chelsea have been around for weeks now. Some talk about it more than others, but the fact still remains that as long as Chelsea still hasn't found its next manager, Allegri will be linked with the job.

What does he think about the continued talk that involves him moving away from the club he could very well lead to a second straight Scudetto under his guidance? Allegri talked about the Chelsea rumors — again — on Tuesday at a charity event.

"There is absolutely no truth in what is being said. I cannot confirm or deny every story that comes out, as I can't control what is written in the papers, nor do anything about it. I want this story to be over and done with now. I've been studying English since my time at Cagliari. I do it for me. I cannot confirm or deny something that just isn't true. We want to focus and reach the end of the season with a trophy."

(Source: Football Italia)

So what about the quote above makes you think that Allegri is not only growing tired of the rumors linking him with Chelsea's soon-to-be-vacant managerial job, but also constantly being asked about them when there's a microphone in front of him? I am going to go out on a limb and say the "I want this story to be over and done with now" is a pretty good club to how Allegri feels about it.

And who can blame him, really?

Beppe Marotta says that a contract extension for Allegri could be happening soon, and hopefully that will put an end to the talk about Mad Max going to Chelsea. It probably won't, but maybe it will. (It probably won't.)