Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8386]

Trap: ‘Allegri’s done brilliantly’

http://www.football-italia.net/82450/trap-%E2%80%98allegri%E2%80%99s-done-brilliantly%E2%80%99?

Apr 7, 2016

Giovanni Trapattoni says Massimiliano Allegri ‘has handled everything brilliantly’ despite people being ‘ready to judge and criticise’ at Juventus.

The 77-year-old was in charge of the Bianconeri in two spells, from 1976-1986 and then from 1991-1994.

The veteran was full of support for the way Allegri overcame the initial uncertainty about his appointment by winning the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and reaching the Champions League final.

“I had a different welcome to Allegri, but the scepticism was there anyway,” Trapattoni told Corriere dello Sport.

“Everyone lies in wait for you, ready to judge and eventually to criticise.

“It’s nothing but facing a new test. But Allegri has handled everything brilliantly.

“He’s managed to impose himself with the players, he’s convinced them with his words and his work.

“It seems to me that Allegri has managed to hit the spot with each of his players. Including those who were playing with the previous management but then found themselves out of the team.”

[Socrates 8386]

Zenit and Juve met Sousa?

http://www.football-italia.net/82626/zenit-and-juve-met-sousa?

Apr 10, 2016

There are reports Fiorentina Coach Paulo Sousa not only met with Zenit representatives, but was also contacted by Juventus.

Zenit director of sport Henk van Stee was photographed in the stands for today’s 2-0 defeat to Empoli amid rumours Sousa had dinner with Russian representatives last week.

“Sousa had other dinners too,” ex-Fiorentina director Giovanni Galli told Mediaset Premium today.

“For example, a northern club of the top level had a meeting with him a month ago, before confirming they would stay with their current Coach.

“As far as I know, there was contact between Sousa and Juve, who evidently intended to find out his plans in case negotiations for the Max Allegri renewal did not go well.”

Juventus confirmed Allegri will sign a new deal before the end of the current campaign.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri talks continue tomorrow?

http://www.football-italia.net/82652/allegri-talks-continue-tomorrow?

Apr 11, 2016

Reports say Juventus will attempt to conclude the long-awaited contract extension for Massimiliano Allegri this week.

The tactician’s current deal is set to expire in 2017 and he is widely expected to sign a one-year extension shortly.

Tuttosport report today that the Bianconeri will kick on with talks tomorrow to try and finalise the new contract within the next few days.

An agreement is already believed to have been found and the outlet says that it is now only a matter of Allegri signing off.

There could be further renewal announcements soon according to the newspaper, as Patrice Evra and Andrea Barzagli’s extensions are in the pipeline.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri expects no problems with new Juventus contract

The Bianconeri coach is said to have agreed terms with the Bianconeri
over a new deal but says he is just thinking about the forthcoming games.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/04/16/22456032/-?

Apr 16, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri says there are more important things for Juventus to focus on than his contract renewal, but expects to sign a new deal without any issues.

The Italian coach joined the Turin side ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and led them to the Serie A title in his first year. After a stuttering start to the current campaign, the Bianconeri are edging closer to another league crown, as they sit six points clear with six games remaining.

Allegri's contract expires in June 2017 but he has reportedly agreed to extend his contract with the club, but, with the deal still not official, he insists it is not the best time to discuss his future.

"We've got three games over the next eight days, so there are more important things to focus on," he told reporters.

"Once again I say there won't be any problems. We just need to sit down to plan the future, both sporting and economic."

Despite his side's sizeable lead at the top of the table, the 48-year-old maintains his side cannot afford to slip up as they chase a fifth consecutive crown. The coach added that they must learn from Barcelona, who have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, are now out of the Champions League and sit just three points clear at the top of La Liga.

"Any error could be extremely costly," said Allegri. "I look to the example of Barcelona – a week ago people assumed they had won the Liga and were Champions League favourites.

"Fast forward seven days and their lead in the Liga has been cut to three points and they are out of Europe.

"Until it is mathematically decided, we cannot assume anything is done and dusted. We've won 21 of the last 22 games, but that counts for nothing unless we get the Scudetto."

Forward Paulo Dybala is back in full training having not played since suffering a muscle injury against Torino on March 20.

But Allegri is unsure whether to risk the Argentina international from the start, adding: "I have to evaluate Dybala's condition carefully. We have Simone Zaza suspended, so we need to decide what is the best option.

"If he's not fit to start, we'll see about using him towards the end."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri wants clarity for renewal

http://www.football-italia.net/83039/allegri-wants-clarity-renewal?

Apr 19, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri wants transfer market assurances from Juventus before signing a new contract, say reports.

The Bianconeri Coach has been expected to sign an extension to his contract in Turin for weeks, but is yet to put pen to paper.

giornalaccio rosa dello Sport writes today that Allegri asked Juventus for a meeting to discuss the club’s plans before he agrees to a renewal.

The tactician wants a squad capable of competing for the Champions League title, beginning with clarity over the futures of Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata or their eventual replacements.

The report also says Allegri wants to discuss the rumours of Chelsea’s interest in Leonardo Bonucci, as well as potential summer signings that would help Juve succeed in Europe.

Allegri looks likely to win his second consecutive Scudetto in Turin and currently has a contract that expires in June 2017.

[Socrates 8386]

Report: Allegri rejects Madrid

http://www.football-italia.net/83104/report-allegri-rejects-madrid?

Apr 20, 2016

Reports suggest Massimiliano Allegri turned down Real Madrid in favour of a new deal with Juventus.

The Coach has led Juventus to the brink of the Scudetto this season, as well as the Coppa Italia final, having won the double and reached the Champions League final last term.

The club has already confirmed that a renewal is a formality, but Corriere dello Sport believes that an offer from Los Merengues arrived around a month ago.

Allegri declined the offer, and is now expected to sign a lucrative renewal worth €5m per season until 2018.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri puts
Serie A title celebrations on hold

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2855404/juventus-massimiliano-allegri-puts-serie-a-celeb-on-hold

Apr 21, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned his side that they are not yet champions, despite the 3-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday night restoring their nine-point lead with four games to go.

The Bianconeri travel to Fiorentina on Sunday knowing victory will all but seal the title, but Allegri says the champagne will remain on ice until second-placed Napoli no longer have any chance of catching them.

Should Juve take three points in their fixture, then Napoli will have to win at Roma on Monday to keep the title race alive.

"Napoli could potentially win all of their remaining games and we need four points to be absolutely certain of winning the Scudetto," he told Juventus' official website. "We need to get three [points] away in Florence where we want to put in a great performance, but it won't be easy.

"Then I don't mind if we celebrate winning the title in front of the TV [watching Napoli]."

Few expected to see Juve in such a commanding position after they made one of their worst-ever starts to a season. They recovered from that to go on a run of 23 wins in their last 24 games -- the other a draw -- to pass Napoli at the top of the table.

Without such a poor start to the campaign, Juve could now be setting new Serie A records, and Allegri is hoping his team continues their outstanding form through into next season.

"We've grown a lot but we can and we must continue to develop. Hopefully next year we can start better off in the league," he said. "This group came together this season and has improved game by game, so it's now important to conclude the campaign in the best possible fashion and then to think to the future.

"We've got to do better in the Champions League. It was hard to digest this year. We got knocked out this year on the final cross of the game [against Bayern Munich], but we need to do better next year."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Next, Champions League'

http://www.football-italia.net/83340/allegri-next-champions-league?

Apr 24, 2016

Max Allegri admits what Juventus have achieved is “almost impossible, but next year we must target winning the Champions League.”

The Bianconeri had a disastrous start to the campaign, but since October 28’s defeat to Sassuolo have put together 24 wins and one draw (against Bologna).

“It was almost impossible to win 24 out of 25 games,” conceded the Coach on Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 victory away to Fiorentina.

“Since the start of my coaching career I have always been confident of what I was doing and fully aware of what I needed to improve. At the end of the day, results are everything in this business.

“I often get called a ‘club man’ – if a Coach has everyone on side, that helps get results, doesn’t it? If you don’t share the ideas of the club, you just politely point that out and walk away. This squad has been put together in an exceptional manner by the club.

“I’ll sign the contract next week, assuming they let me sign it!”

Juve grabbed a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Fiorentina this evening, as Gigi Buffon saved a last-gasp Nikola Kalinic penalty.

“This was a very important stepping stone towards the title. I have to give a lot of credit to Fiorentina, as they caused us many problems. My lads also deserve praise for their performance.

“We ran few risks other than counter-attacks until the 1-1, then we went into a little chaos, as unfortunately in Florence the games are never over until the final whistle. We did well to hang on.

“Buffon is the most representative and important player at Juventus. Obviously his words hold a different weight to something the others might say.”

Juventus can secure the title on Monday if Napoli fail to beat Roma. Will the team watch that game together?

“We will train as usual, then prepare the match against Carpi. Don’t forget we also have the Coppa Italia Final on May 21 and we mustn’t reach that appointment against Milan with the wrong state of mind.

“If we watch the game or not won’t change anything.

“Initially we had gone in a little soft and were a bit too relaxed, but from November onwards the journey has been extraordinary.

“Next year we must target winning the Champions League. It’s reductive to focus just on Serie A. It’s one of those competitions where one incident goes wrong and you don’t have time to recover.

“I believe that regardless of tactical systems, we have to improve our control of the ball when under pressure and in the lead. We mustn’t lose the ball in a banal manner, so that is what we need to work on in certain moments of the match.

“Otherwise we create excessive pressure on ourselves that can be avoided.

“We can improve the players we’ve got and help them reach maturity, as for example we were naïve against Bayern Munich when in control of the situation.

“The club will focus on improving the squad, as it did last summer, bringing in young players with great technique.

“Paul Pogba has improved a great deal in terms of character. I said the other day joking that as the €100m wouldn’t go to me, I’d rather keep Pogba!”

[Socrates 8386]

An Ode to Allegri

Forget Antonio Conte, argues Edo Dalmonte, Max Allegri has made this Juventus team his own.

http://www.football-italia.net/83365/ode-allegri?

Apr 25, 2016

Juventus' tumultuous win over Fiorentina did little but confirm the Old Lady's reputation as a ruthless killing machine. Cancelling out Nikola Kalinic's equaliser within a matter of seconds brought out the usual “same old Juve” refrains. Fifth Scudetto, here we come!

Is this impression misleading? How is it that manager Max Allegri can be overlooked after plundering 73 out of a possible 75 points, and why are his predecessor and his players arguably earning more credit than he is?

To tell the truth, many of us have never relinquished that final bit of suspicion about old Max. Was it because his Milan side gradually got worse, or was it the negative football, bent more on breaking up play and hitting the opponent on the counter? The Old Lady's catastrophic start to the current season – three wins in ten– didn't help. Even when Juventus recovered, onlookers saw fit to credit the team, seeing as some of its senators reportedly let their manager know that they desired a return to 3-5-2.

The trouble is, however, that we all tend to use a narrative framework, when real life is far more complicated. In this case, the innovator earns the lion's share of the praise (Bill Shankley, Rinus Michels), whilst the successor (Bob Paisley, Stefan Kovacs) is applauded, but always saddled with some suspicion.

Or is he? Remember Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello? This is not to say that Conte or Allegri are at their level, but they may join them yet. Successors can, and have, made someone else's creation their own. And Allegri is certainly doing that.

What if the meeting with the players after the Sassuolo defeat were interpreted as a positive, as Allegri's ability to listen to criticism and make changes? Even then, the Tuscan coach has returned to four at the back since, and used the 4-3-1-2 to great effect in last year's magical Champions League run.

Speaking of the players, the “Conte's guys” excuse has worn thin. Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo are gone. Only the latter is arguably missed, and we always knew it wouldn't last forever. Even then, neither Vidal nor Pirlo looked that inspired in their last season.

Allegri's response? To galvanize Paul Pogba into taking over and filling the vacuum. Far more consistent this year, the Frenchman has provided either a goal or an assist in each of Juventus' last seven Serie A games. He's totally ditched the Clark Kent persona – though the glasses remain – and become a full-time Superman.

On the subject of Europe's Elite, remember when Conte's Juventus never looked like competing with Bayern Munich? When it was his turn to go two-nil down to the Bavarians, Allegri orchestrated a near-perfect return leg, nearly pulling off a stunning coup.

This is not to say that Allegri is mister perfect: he was lucky to beat Napoli at home recently (though he got the sub right with Simone Zaza, as he did last night with Alvaro Morata), and his first Bianconeri survived their CL group by the skin of their teeth.

But who is perfect, exactly? It is high time we cease to assume the worst about Max: maybe Milan were bad because the club was horribly run, and maybe Filippo Inzaghi was to blame for that scuffle.

Maybe Allegri isn't a horrible mistake away from turning into a terrible coach again. Maybe he's the man whose team has revved into gear as the season wore on, instead of petering out like Napoli, Inter and Fiorentina. This despite Juventus racking up over 50 injuries, as his sides always do.

Maybe Allegri is the right man to take the Bianconeri forwards, too. It is a huge credit that he has gradually integrated the likes of Paulo Dybala (22), Alex Sandro (25) and Daniele Rugani (21), with the team hardly breaking stride. Forget the past, Juventus fans: Allegri is taking care of the present... and the future.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Never thought of leaving’

http://www.football-italia.net/83407/allegri-%E2%80%98never-thought-leaving%E2%80%99?

Apr 25, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri confirms he’ll sign a Juventus renewal “this week or next” and “never thought about leaving”.

The Tuscan Coach has led the Bianconeri to two consecutive Scudetti, and general manager Giuseppe Marotta described his renewal as “a formality” earlier today.

“A renewal? I don’t have a pen…” Allegri smiled in an interview with Rai.

“I’m sure some tobacconists will be open. There are no problems with the club, and I never had doubts or thought about leaving.

“This week or next we’ll sit around a table and find an agreement.”

The Turin side have now won five Scudetti in a row, and can win the double again if they beat Milan in the Coppa Italia final.

“We have three games left now, and the Coppa Italia final to win against Milan, who caused us problems in the League.

“This year 10 new players came in, and the club has worked on bringing in talented young players, but mixed with players of international quality.

“We’re in our first year [of a new cycle], and we have a great future ahead.

“Next year we’ll be competitive in the League and play a great Champions League, because we did well until the end in the Last 16 against Bayern [Munich] this year.

“We went out against the Germans, but it made us aware of our future.”

[Socrates 8386]

Lippi: ‘Allegri is Italy’s best’

http://www.football-italia.net/83417/lippi-%E2%80%98allegri-italy%E2%80%99s-best%E2%80%99?

Apr 26, 2016

Juventus legend Marcello Lippi describes Massimiliano Allegri as “the best Italian Coach”.

The Tuscan tactician has led the Bianconeri to two Scudetti in a row since arriving in 2014, and can win the double for a second year running if his side beat Milan in the Coppa Italia final.

“He’s been great, not just good,” Lippi told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“He’s had continuous growth, you could say frightening, and today he’s the best Italian Coach.

“He has everything it takes, and I don’t just mean technical and tactical competence, which is perhaps the least important thing.

“He’s also very good at managing rotation, making everyone feel important and part of the project - changes weren’t just for emergencies.

“I don’t know about any mistakes, but with [Paulo] Dybala I don’t think he got it wrong. When you have a young player, however promising, there are steps they need to take to mature.

“Allegri made him realise how he has to play.

“Have I congratulated him? Not yet, I was waiting for it to be mathematically certain. Now it’s time to send him a text.”

With the Old Lady having had a poor start to the season, did Lippi expect them to be champions for a fifth-consecutive season?

“In all honesty, no. But I did say that you should be careful before writing this team off for dead, that in the end they’d be fighting for the Scudetto as always.

“They’re used to winning with with a lot of points advantage. When they found themselves down like that, the players would have said ‘where is it written that we can’t recover’?

“And they recovered more than 20 points.

“This is a Scudetto by everyone, as always. There’s no such thing as a one-man Scudetto, if even someone scores 30 goals like [Napoli’s Gonzalo] Higuain.

“This is a title of historic champions like [Gigi] Buffon, who transmitted the right values to the new guys. And it’s the Scudetto of a Coach who embodies the culture of Italian football: solid, wise, always ready.

“He made sure the team was focused and never lost confidence, even when there was a danger of that happening.

“I find it hard to believe that this Juventus won’t continue winning.

“Above all because, as I jokingly said, they gave everyone else a head start and they weren’t able to take advantage.

“I don’t know if that will happen again.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri will sign new Juventus deal - Marotta

The Bianconeri coach has long been expected to put pen to paper over a new deal
and the club's director has revealed it is only a matter of time after another Serie A win.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/04/26/22818682/-?

Apr 26, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri will be rewarded with a new contract next week after guiding Juventus to another Serie A title, director Giuseppe Marotta confirmed.

Juve were crowned Serie A champions for the fifth consecutive time on Monday without kicking a ball as Roma defeated second-placed Napoli 1-0.

The result leaves Juve 12 points clear with three matches remaining, clincing Allegri's second Serie A since he replaced Antonio Conte at the helm of the team in 2014.

Allegri also led Juve to last season's Champions League final and a contract extension is now forthcoming, with his current deal set to expire next year.

"Our relationship with Allegri is going really well," Marotta told Premium Sport. "We are very satisfied with him and his work, and we will extend his contract.

"We do not want the coach's deal to expire, so next week he will sign the extension. The deal is just a formality as there is a mutual desire to continue to work together."

Re-signing Allegri will be the first of numerous close-season moves, according to Marotta, with Juve attempting to further strengthen their squad as they chase their first Champions League title since 1995-96.

"We know it won't be easy though, because the level of the squad is high. We don't have big problems in Italy, but in Europe the competitiveness is more pronounced," Marotta added.

"It's not easy, the players in the squad are strong and it's hard to find stronger ones. We want to preserve this heritage which allowed us to achieve extraordinary results.

"There are many good youngsters, but don't forget our solid core: Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

"Then there's Patrice Evra and Sami Khedira. We want to create a mix of young and more experienced players."

[Socrates 8386]

Galeone: ‘Conte and Allegri poles apart’

http://www.football-italia.net/83440/galeone-%E2%80%98conte-and-allegri-poles-apart%E2%80%99?

Apr 26, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri’s mentor, Giovanni Galeone, says the Juventus Coach and his predecessor Antonio Conte are “poles apart”.

Allegri secured his second Scudetto in a row yesterday, with Conte having taken the Bianconeri to the previous three of their five-consecutive titles.



“If there are two Coaches who are poles apart then it’s Conte and Allegri,” Galeone, who has been described as the latter’s mentor, said on Radio 24.

“I’ll give you an example: we [italy] played Spain in Udine and played really well, then we went to Germany and lost 3-0.

“The next day Conte’s technical analysis was ‘at these levels we need determination’. I’d say ‘True Grit’ is a film and it’s already been made.

“Allegri never speaks about grit, Allegri speaks about the choice of pass, the best defensive technique: in short he talks about football, Conte talks about grit.

“In fact, Conte won in Italy and in Europe never won anything.

“They went out against Galatasaray who haven’t won a Coppa del Nonno [a coffee ice cream], a Danish team which has never won anything [FK Kobenhavn] and they didn’t even win in the Europa Leauge, going out to Benfica.

“It was only when Max Allegri came in that they got to the final [of the Champions League] against Barcelona, and unfortunately this year for the first time in his life he didn’t read a game well [against Bayern Munich], and after creating a masterpiece they couldn’t repeat the final.

“Allegri’s work has nothing to do with Conte’s work, and this year was a real masterpiece. Conte represented the values typical of Juventus for three years. He brought that determination, that desire, that typical professionalism of Juventus as a club.

“But when we’re talking about football if you compare Conte and Allegri… They’re totally different, technically they’re totally different.”

Galeone was then asked if he believes Allegri can win the Champions League next year.

“Juve aren’t really missing much to win the Champions League, this year it was very likely because the teams left are ones Allegri has already beaten like [Manchester] City and Real and Atletico [Madrid].

“Unfortunately those 10 minutes in Munich spoiled the party. They’ve shown they’re a great team though, getting to the final last year and going close again this year.

“To get to the win though, they have to go and buy some players. I’ve head names like [ilkay] Gundogan, but they must definitely buy two or three reinforcements.”

[Socrates 8386]

Sabatini: 'Roma wanted Allegri'

http://www.football-italia.net/83450/sabatini-roma-wanted-allegri?

Apr 26, 2016

Walter Sabatini reveals Max Allegri almost joined Roma in 2013, but wouldn’t advise Juventus to buy Medhi Benatia.

The Giallorossi director of sport spoke to Mediaset Premium and was asked if it was true that when Zdenek Zeman was fired in February 2013 there were four candidates.

Their names were Marcelo Bielsa, Laurent Blanc, Rudi Garcia and Allegri.

“I can confirm that. Allegri couldn’t free himself from the Milan contract,” said Sabatini.

Allegri, now flying high after a Scudetto triumph at Juve, was fired by Milan in February 2013.

It is consistently reported that Allegri wants ex-Roma defender Benatia in Turin, though Bayern Munich only bought him for €28m two years ago.

“I don’t feel that Juve need my advice on the transfer market. Medhi is a formidable player, but a bit long-winded. He is a great talker, all of it to help construct a great defensive unit.

“At that time, Roma didn’t want to sell the player, but he kept presenting himself to different clubs who could’ve been interested in him.

“I then called him a pale imitation of the player we had seen.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri renewal summit today

http://www.football-italia.net/83513/allegri-renewal-summit-today?

Apr 28, 2016

Juventus will reportedly meet Massimiliano Allegri today to finalise his contract extension, with Andrea Barzagli due to follow.

The Bianconeri Coach has been expected to sign a new deal until 2018 for weeks now.

Corriere dello Sport reports that the decisive meeting between club and Coach will take place today, which should lead to the renewal being made official.

Allegri is expected to earn €5m per season under his new terms, which would make him the highest paid Coach in Serie A.

Once the tactician’s future has been secured, the club will turn to tying down centre-back Barzagli, says the report.

The 34-year-old’s contract is due to expire in June, but it’s anticipated that the Italy international will prolong his spell at the Old Lady until 2018.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus Must Turn Their
Attention To Coppa Italia Final

http://www.football-italia.net/83513/allegri-renewal-summit-today?

Apr 28, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has turned his attention to the Bianconeri’s Coppa Italia Final against AC Milan on May 21 after another Serie A victory on Sunday afternoon.

The 48-year-old revealed their focus has now turned to the clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at the end of the season after securing a 2-0 victory over Carpi, with goals from Hernanes and Simone Zaza.

“The goal must be to always improve,” Allegri told reporters following the victory.

“The guys were good at not conceding goals and at finding a way to win. Now we have a trip to Verona and a match at home [against Sampdoria] in the league, but we must be ready for the final.

“The important thing was to win the league title, the rest does not interest me much. I repeat, there is a final to be prepared for and this is the only thing that matters now.”

[Socrates 8386]

Elkann: 'Future is with Allegri'

http://www.football-italia.net/83905/elkann-future-allegri?

May 6, 2016

Juventus patron John Elkann confirms that the club's future is with Coach Max Allegri, who will soon renew his contract.

An official announcement is expected today to cement the Coach's position within the club until 2018, but in the meantime he is being showered with praise from the Old Lady's higher echelons.

“Last year Allegri enjoyed a very important season and this year he confirmed that he is a great Coach,” Elkann told Sky Sports Italia. “Our future is with him, and we have a lot of faith in what is still to come.”

The discussion then turned to Paul Pogba, the Bianconeri's greatest asset on the transfer market, valued at €100m.

“Pogba? He's a great player, and like everyone else he's focused on the Coppa Italia final. Then he'll think about the Euros in France.”

[Socrates 8386]

Official: Allegri extends Juve deal

http://www.football-italia.net/83920/official-allegri-extends-juve-deal?

May 6, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has officially signed a contract extension tying him to Juventus until June 2018.

The 48-year-old took over in July 2014, several days into pre-season training, when Antonio Conte suddenly resigned.

He was originally given a frosty reception by fans, but won them over with results, passion and an entertaining tweeting style.

Allegri’s previous contract was due to expire in June 2017, but one more year has been added to the deal.

His Juve reached the Champions League Final as well as winning two Scudetti, the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup.

It's reported he has been given a pay rise to €5m per year plus bonuses.

Allegri’s former clubs are Milan, Cagliari, Sassuolo, Grosseto, Spal and Aglianese.

“If the quality of play, ability to think and occupying space with intensity are the technical requirements behind the latest masterpiece, the human qualities are rooted in the ability to shake off tension.

“Or rather, to keep it at the right level, helping his champions become world class, day after day.

“These are the principles that Juventus have decided, proudly, to share for another two years. To continue, along with their Coach, that growth process of a team that sets no limit to its ambitions.”

[Socrates 8386]

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Juventus manager Max Allegri
signs contract extension through 2018

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/6/11354690/official-juventus-manager-max-allegri-signs-contract-extension-through-2018

May 6, 2016

Nothing here is surprising. Max Allegri, the man who is well on his way to guiding Juventus to a straight Scudetto since arriving at the club when Antonio Conte bolted out the front door two summers ago, was never going to go anywhere outside of Turin other than maybe a different restaurant for dinner tonight.

Allegri signing a contract extension with Juventus is about as shocking as my cat being an über fan of tuna. It's not a surprise — and that's even before Allegri himself said the damn thing was going to happen in short order after Juventus' win over Empoli on April 2.

Friday was different, though. Today was the day we actually saw the stinkin' thing announced on Juventus' website and vast array of social media platforms. The contract extension we've heard about and known was going to happen for weeks now is a done deal, with Allegri signing his name and getting a hefty raise in a contract that will span until the end of the of the 2017-18 season.

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfc
UFFICIALE: @OfficialAllegri ha rinnovato! Piú tardi intervista esclusiva con il mister e Marotta #Allegri2018

Yep, it's now 'Officially Official,' folks. About dang time, too.

But, in all honesty, there was no reason to rush this. Allegri knew a contract extension. was going to happen. Beppe Marotta, whenever speaking to the media over the last couple of months, said that Allegri was going to sign a contract extension. This was a simple matter of getting all the details all ironed out, agreeing to a salary and finding the right time to announce it.

The two parties have no reason to end this success-filled courtship now or in the immediate future. Allegri has surpassed just about everybody's expectations in droves over the last two years. He has led Juve to a domestic double in his first season at the helm. This season, he's gotten Juve out of the early-season gutter and to the top of the table in what seemed like just a few short months. That's the sign of not only a good manager, but one that is truly building on what he's started.

Good work, Max. You've earned it. Now go win a domestic double again.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Juventus must believe'

http://www.football-italia.net/83928/allegri-juventus-must-believe?

May 6, 2016

Max Allegri outlined his ambitions for Juventus after signing a new contract, above all the Champions League and “self-belief.”

The tactician signed a contract extension today that will expire in June 2018 and reportedly received a wage rise to €5m per year.

“This is absolutely not a destination, but a starting point,” the Coach told the official club website.

“The five consecutive Scudetti will remain in the history of Juventus, but from the Coppa Italia Final and next season we must resume working hard to achieve success.”

Allegri was asked what was more difficult, taking over the club already into pre-season training or relaunching a side that has won everything?

“Being Coach of Juventus is a big challenge and a big responsibility, because here you always play to win. It was important and exciting to arrive deep into the summer two years ago, but will be even more exciting when we resume working this summer for the next objectives.

“The lads achieved the Juventus mentality and DNA, which is to work hard to achieve the maximum result.”

Where can the side further improve under Allegri’s tutelage?

“The team must improve in how it builds the play, in the individual players, but above all to have a high ambition, even beyond expectations.

“We need to work on that and have great self-belief, because this side has a great deal of quality.”

Only a handful of Coaches have stayed at Juventus for at least four years and, if he sees out his contract, Allegri will join them.

“It’s motivating, as few get to work at Juventus. I am proud and enthusiastic about being at Juventus because every year there are new challenges and objectives.

“Juventus must always be competitive and winning in Italy, but also the duty to have a great Champions League campaign. By that I mean playing on level terms with any opponent.

“Once you are there, it’s a tournament where the ball can go in or out and you can go home after the Round of 16.

“I have always said that players and Coaches go, but the history of Juventus remains.”

[Socrates 8386]

Marotta: 'Allegri a psychologist'

http://www.football-italia.net/83929/marotta-allegri-psychologist?

May 6, 2016

uventus director Beppe Marotta praised Max Allegri for his abilities as a “psychologist” and confirmed they want the Champions League.

The Coach signed a contract extension to June 2018 today, adding a further year to his existing deal.

“I defined this a formality because we began this rapport with Allegri, who took us to two consecutive Scudetti and other important trophies, so it seemed natural to consider this rapport on-going.

“There was no need to enact a divorce, so the marriage continues along happily,” Marotta told the official club website.

“Juventus as a club were able to not only choose good players, but also to show consistency by handing the team to an excellent Coach in Allegri, despite the scepticism shown by some two years ago.

“The club deserves credit for choosing a great Coach and supporting him throughout his professional needs.

“Allegri achieved the best with the players put at his disposal, but also helped the players realise their potential, above all in Europe where in the last two years we’ve achieved extraordinary results.

“More than a new era, it is the continuation of the past. Juventus have a rich trophy cabinet and in every tournament we must try to achieve the best, which is to win.”

Allegri has said the next target must be the Champions League trophy and Marotta agrees to a point.

“The first objective is to win the Scudetto again, as the sixth in a row would be an absolute first in Italian football, something no club has achieved.

“We are aiming for the maximum in the Champions League. We know it is difficult to compete with the biggest clubs, but we must find the strength to do it.

“The modern Coach is not just the man who teaches the players about football and imposes tactical approaches, but is above all the psychologist who guides the group and keeps it motivated.

“In that sense, a lot of credit for the victory does go to the Coach.”

[Socrates 8386]

Asamoah: 'Juve go far with Allegri'

http://www.football-italia.net/83946/asamoah-juve-go-far-allegri?

May 7, 2016

Kwadwo Asamoah is “convinced Juventus can go a long way still” under Max Allegri, starting with the Coppa Italia.

The Bianconeri officially extended their contract with the Coach until June 2018.

“So many teams try to win in Italy and we won five titles in a row,” midfielder Asamoah told Sky Sport Italia.

“These four Scudetti I was involved in are the best things in my career and I’m very pleased to be a part of this group.

“We had difficulties at the start of the season, but did well to recover quickly, realise what the problem was and what we wanted to do.

“On a personal level I can say that I want to continue winning and I’m happy to do it with Coach Allegri. I am fine anywhere he wants me to play.

“He is very good, is always close to the players both on the field and off. He helps those who play and those who are on the pitch less often.

“I am convinced that with him we can go a long way still.”

Juventus have won a fifth straight Scudetto, but are also on track to retain the Coppa Italia, as they face Milan in the Final on May 21.

“It would be a unique achievement and won’t be easy,” continued Asamoah.

“As for next season, we must continue to do well in Italy, but can and must grow in Europe too. The Champions League is a great dream for us.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Juventus for 10 years'

http://www.football-italia.net/83957/allegri-juventus-10-years?

May 7, 2016

Max Allegri would “like to stay at Juventus for another 10 years” and shares his success with the club and Antonio Conte.

The Coach signed a contract extension yesterday that holds him to Turin until June 2018, reportedly earning €5m per year.

In today’s Press conference, he was asked where the cut-off point was between Conte’s Juve and his own?

“At the end of the day, every Coach has his own way. It’s normal, I cannot be Conte, Conte cannot be Luciano Spalletti, etc, etc.

“Conte had three very important years at Juventus, especially as the club was coming off two very difficult campaigns. I never credit one person with success, as don’t forget the club is what’s behind everything.

“Juventus won with Capello, Lippi, Trapattoni, Conte and Allegri. When a club is strong, you’re more likely to get results.

“I’d like to stay at Juve for another 10, 20 years. Maybe not 20, as I’d like to retire before I’m senile,” he smiled.

“When you are at a big club, you have to bring results and win. Then there are my own personal satisfactions as a Coach, which is to see players improve technically and in every aspect of their game.

“For instance, Stefano Sturaro, Paulo Dybala and others give me satisfaction when I see them learn and improve in technical terms.”

[Socrates 8386]

Massimiliano Allegri fully deserving of Juventus extension

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2866715/massimiliano-allegri-fully-deserving-of-juventus-extension

May 7, 2016

A boisterous, disciplined and hard-working team, Juventus were the well-oiled machine who only cared about the result and have never claimed otherwise. In Antonio Conte, they met their soulmate. A former captain and star of a team that ground out important wins in both Italy and Europe, he grabbed the Old Lady by the scruff of her neck and force fed her victories. Loud, obnoxious and smug, Conte was Juve and Juve were Conte, or at least that was what we were taught to believe.

When their beloved coach chose to depart, darkness blinded the team that had just begun to dream. Abandoned, scared and anxious, when Massimiliano Allegri was announced as the man who would replace their outgoing saviour, hysteria was the only rational reaction. Allegri, the man sacked by Milan? Allegri, the man whose girlfriend once dubbed Juventus "the shame of Italy?"

How was he going to handle taking charge at the biggest club in Italy? Gianluca Zambrotta blamed Allegri for Milan's downfall, citing Allegri's mismanagement of the locker room. The full-back's allegation seemed appropriate, after all there were whispers of an alleged fist fight with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the apparent acrimonious manner in which Andrea Pirlo departed and the bizarre losses to teams such as Sassuolo.

Asked about the delicate manner of managing the Rossoneri's dressing room, Allegri answered. "Dialogue is complicated in a locker room. You enter and almost everyone has headphones on with loud music. Nobody talks to anyone else. It requires authority, respect and patience. It's not my style to underline every day that I'm in charge. I point out they are forced to listen to me not because I'm the best, but I am the oldest. It's not my style to underline every day that I'm in charge."

That sentence resonated with Juve fans. It may not be Allegri's style but it was Conte's. That obnoxious desire to continually affirm his authority is what led Juventus to trophies, to recapturing their indomitable form. Without that intensity, that insane belief in their power, the question was whether the Bianconeri would win again.

Greeted with angry fans, who demanded his immediate departure, Allegri smiled and simply said he would soon win them over. While he didn't boast the same character or perceived ambition as his predecessor, he possessed something infinitely more valuable: footballing intelligence.

Allegri didn't see a united squad who together could aim for the stars; he saw a collection of talented individuals who could develop into even bigger stars. He saw skills sets that needed to be highlighted, talent that needed to be exploited and technique that could be improved upon. He saw the true value of the men he presided over and began to work. There was no room for frantic movements, for bullish and blunt performances but space for intelligent composure. He wanted his players to think more, to display their intellect but maintain their desire to sacrifice for the sake of the unit.

He didn't attempt to control his players' decisions, he allowed them room for error and showed them patiently what they could have done to have achieved a better result. His squad listened. His squad developed and his squad began to win impressively. A renowned tactician, Juventus no longer outlasted the opponent, they out-thought them too.

To many, the composed manner of Allegri's Juve appeared lacking in intensity but intelligence overpowered hysteria. Why? Because they began to win in Europe. Their strategy was superior to that of their opponents, they managed their matches better and they learned to have genuine belief in their individual talent. They were no longer cogs in a system that worked, but football stars who together could achieve what Conte classed as the impossible.

Just shy of winning the Treble in Allegri's first season of 2014-15, many believed Allegri's second season to be as good as his first, but with so many departures and several new arrivals, the Bianconeri faltered. Conte may not have been the world's greatest tactician, but he inspired greatness and instilled a winning mentality that perhaps Allegri couldn't do with the new arrivals. After all, his success last season was built upon the foundations laid by his predecessor. Did he have enough to do it alone?

In the end, he did. Juventus have been magnificent and while their loss to Bayern Munich will haunt them for a little while longer, their domestic form and winning run will remain etched in the memory of every Italian football fan. There is simply no stopping a side that seemingly cannot stop developing players.

Yet Allegri is so much more than what he managed on the field. His success at the club may not only be down to him but his elegance off it has reminded Italy of "Stile Juve." Juventus no longer indulged in petty fighting, in embarrassing comments and in arrogant put-downs.

Allegri chose to bring back the class. Rejecting excuses, acknowledging errors and applauding opponents, Juventus have regained their true essence with him -- one created by L'Avvocato and carried on by Gaetano Scirea Alessandro Del Piero and now Allegri.

Officially the coach of the Old Lady until 2018, "Mister Max" has renewed his contract hoping to continue evolving a side set for further glory. A beautiful two years under the tutelage of a maestro, may his reign continue to achieve the impossible.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Juve better in CL’

http://www.football-italia.net/84802/allegri-%E2%80%98juve-better-cl%E2%80%99?

May 23, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri thinks Juventus this year were ‘better in the Champions League than last season’, despite going out in the last 16.

The Bianconeri were beaten in the final by Barcelona in 2015, but crashed out in the first knockout round this season following a thrilling 6-4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich.

Allegri believes that the way his team approached games against the big teams shows a marked improvement from a year before.

“This year we did better in the Champions League than last season, it’s true that we got to the final last year, but it’s difficult to get there every year,” he told Rai Uno.

“The best thing was the fast growth in playing on a par with the big teams of Europe, which must be Juve’s objective.

“Then there are too many things that affect the competition, from favourable episodes to how you arrive from a physical perspective. We’re hoping to be even better next year and a little bit luckier.”