Massimiliano Allegri

Socrates · May 24, 2016

Allegri: ‘Extraordinary Juve season’

http://www.football-italia.net/84803/allegri-%E2%80%98extraordinary-juve-season%E2%80%99?

May 23, 2016

Juventus had an ‘extraordinary and memorable season’ after a ‘moment of difficulty’, says Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Bianconeri got off to a sluggish start in the league before racing into 25 wins in 26 games and winning their fifth successive Scudetto.

That success was followed by a Coppa Italia triumph against Milan on Saturday, marking their second domestic double in a row.

“After four years in which a cycle was finished, in which experienced players left - not just Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal but Storari, Pepe, Ogbonna and Llorente were a part of that winning team – 10 new players arrived and it wasn’t easy,” Allegri told Rai Uno.

“We had a moment of difficulty, but firstly the club and then the players put ourselves back in line.

“We were 14th in the table after 10 rounds, the guys did something extraordinary together with the club.

“Winning 25 games out of 26 isn’t simple, the numbers were extraordinary, the season was memorable and it finished with the beautiful Coppa Italia victory.”

Socrates · May 24, 2016

Allegri: ‘My future is Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/84806/allegri-%E2%80%98my-future-juventus%E2%80%99?

May 23, 2016

Coach Massimiliano Allegri commits his future to Juventus - “I want to stay for a long time.”

The tactician has led the Bianconeri to back-to-back doubles, and recently signed a new contract which will run until 2018.

“My future?” Allegri considered on Rai Uno.

“It’s at Juve, the club and I share everything. We’ve started a new cycle with 10 lads with a 9 preceding their date of birth, and to remain on par with the major clubs in Europe, given the difference in revenue, it takes a well-organised club like Juve.

“I hope to stay here for a long time, because I’m happy.”

Allegri was also asked about Paulo Dybala, who was used sparingly at the start of the season but went on to score 19 goals and provide nine assists.

“A Coach is there to make choices, in that difficult moment I had to continue with what I believed.

“Dybala was not ready to show what he could do, but I knew he had the qualities to improve.”

Socrates · May 24, 2016

Allegri: ‘Juventus hard to improve’

http://www.football-italia.net/84825/allegri-%E2%80%98juventus-hard-improve%E2%80%99?

May 23, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri warns “there are few players in Europe who can improve this squad”.

The Turin giants are targeting the Champions League next season, and are believed to be targeting Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic, among others.

However, speaking to Sky, the Bianconeri boss refused to be drawn on the transfer market.

“Talking about players from other teams doesn’t make sense,” Allegri said.

“I’ve already said that there are few players in Europe who can improve this squad.

”With Antonio Conte having named his preliminary Italy squad for the European Championships today, Allegri was also asked about the Azzurri’s chances.

“In Italy we always look at everyone else, but Italy has its own traditions and history. It’s not a coincidence that we’ve won the World Cup four times.”

Socrates · May 25, 2016

Allegri: ‘Not enough patience’

http://www.football-italia.net/84913/allegri-%E2%80%98not-enough-patience%E2%80%99?

May 25, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri believes there is not enough “patience, calm and balance” in football.

The Bianconeri won the double again this season, despite having a poor start to the League campaign which saw them win just three of their first 10 games.

During that run, a section of the support and media were calling for the Coach to be fired, and Allegri believes that’s a sign of a lack of patience.

“In football you can win without deserving to, my credo is to have patience, calm and balance,” Allegri told Sky.

“Football is as beautiful as it is cruel, everything can change in one minute. For example the last match against Milan – despite not playing a good game we won.

“It’s the results that remain and Juventus are the winners, but if we’d lost we would have talked about an ugly match. You need balance to not go from great enthusiasm to great depression.

“I’ve already said that after the defeat to Roma someone pointed out to me that Juve had never lost their first two matches.

“I told him that maybe we would win the Scudetto, so it was and this shows that the important thing is face your challenges with the conviction that anything is possible.

“Last year our objective was to get to the final of the Champions League, we had the quality, it was only a question of self-belief.

“We must raise our expectations, bringing them up to where nobody thinks we can go.”

Allegri was then asked about that extraordinary comeback, which saw the Bianconeri lose just once in the League after defeat to Sassuolo in October.

“I repeat that we’ve had an extraordinary year and when I talk about the guys I mean everyone at Juventus.

“The club is at the centre of our work and the project, with a serious club everything is easier.

“After 10 games we had 12 points, at that point it was easier for Leicester to win the title. I said that at Christmas we needed to be six points from first place, because it’s important to set intermediary targets.

“The guys were great in working week to week, without thinking about where they could get. Then they were very good going on this run.”

Socrates · May 25, 2016

Allegri: ‘I told Morata to stay’

http://www.football-italia.net/84914/allegri-%E2%80%98i-told-morata-stay%E2%80%99?

May 25, 2016

Coach Massimiliano Allegri reveals he told Alvaro Morata that he “needs to stay at Juventus”.

The Spanish striker has a buyback clause in his contract, meaning that Real Madrid can re-sign him this summer for a fee of €30m.

It has been suggested that Los Merengues could activate that clause, before selling him on to the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal for a quick profit.

“I’ve already given Morata some advice: he needs to stay at Juventus,” Allegri revealed in an interview with Sky.

“Above all because Juventus is one of the biggest clubs in the world, it always has been, but especially in recent years.

“He must stay at Juventus to keep growing, because he hasn’t yet reached that level of balance and strength that a player must have, because he’s still just 23.

“Don’t forget that Morata arrived last year from Real Madrid, and was treated as ‘that Real Madrid kid’. He grew up at Juventus, but since he still has growth to achieve, Juventus is the right environment.

“What did he say? He nodded. I hope he understands, I’m saying this for his own good.”

Allegri was also asked about the summer transfer campaign, but was - as usual - coy on the Bianconeri’s aims.

“The club are working on the transfer market and monitoring possible alternatives. We have a lot of forwards with players who are all in national teams and many young guys.

“Before the Coppa Italia I looked at the table: there were 10 young guys, nine in front of them and 10 a little older. It’s a good mix and it’s normal that the young guys must improve, especially on a mental level.”

Socrates · May 25, 2016

Allegri: ‘Champions League requires luck’

http://www.football-italia.net/84915/allegri-%E2%80%98champions-league-requires-luck%E2%80%99?

May 25, 2016

Max Allegri says “it’s not true” that Juventus can’t win the Champions League but “details and good luck are fundamental”.

The Bianconeri reached the final of the competition last season, losing to Barcelona, and were unlucky to be eliminated by Bayern Munich this season.

“Juventus have played many finals, it’s not true that we never go all the way in Europe,” Coach Allegri insisted in an interview with Sky.

“Last year we had a great Champions League campaign, maybe we were a little fortunate in the semi-final against Real Madrid.

“This year we were less fortunate, but the Champions League is a competition in which the details and good luck are fundamental. Just look at the results from the last few years.

“The league should always be competitive, Juventus have the duty to try and win a sixth title, it would be something extraordinary.

“After the summer competitions the lads can rest and this year we’ll do a completely different preparation. In the Champions League the objective is to get through the group, then they’re all knockout games.”

Allegri is also counting on a less hectic pre-season schedule to aid his side for next season.

““It won’t be more complicated to prepare this summer because we don’t have the Supercoppa in the middle.

“Two years ago we went to Australia, we worked really well and had a lot of time to prepare for the league.

“Last year we left late and had some problems, this year the season starts on 21 August we we’ll see how the Euros go.

“Not everyone can get to the final, the last to arrive must be good and recover because I won’t be in a hurry to select players who aren’t ready.”

Socrates · May 28, 2016

Grading Massimiliano Allegri on Juventus' 2015/16 Season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2641823-grading-massimiliano-allegri-on-juventus-201516-season?

May 27, 2016

In May 2015, after Massimiliano Allegri had delivered a Serie A and Coppa Italia double to Juventus, the club’s director general recalled the reception the coach had received in the days after he had arrived in Turin to replace Antonio Conte.

“I remember I was in the car with Allegri one time, fans were livid and they started spitting and throwing eggs at the car,” Beppe Marotta told Stadio Sprint (h/t Forza Italian Football), going on to state his belief that two trophies—plus a place in the UEFA Champions League final—had vindicated the decision to appoint the former AC Milan boss.

Yet by late October of that same year, opinion had gone full circle, and once again Allegri was a man under pressure. Taking just five points from their opening six games, the Bianconeri had continued to struggle, sitting 12th after 10 weeks of the campaign and looking highly unlikely to defend their position as champions.

However, what happened from that point was sensational. Allegri steered the team almost perfectly, and Juventus won 25 of their next 26 matches to reel in—and then comfortably surpass—the early leaders.

They racked up points at a rate none of their domestic opponents could match, setting a club record for consecutive victories (15) and a new league-high mark for clean sheets as Gigi Buffon went 10 games without conceding a single goal.

It was undeniably the greatest comeback in Italian football history, with Juventus again lifting the Coppa Italia and becoming the first side to complete the double in successive seasons, a perfect exclamation mark on an unforgettable campaign.

Grading Allegri’s impact on Juve’s 2015/16 season is difficult, however, with the coach having made some mistakes in those early weeks. His decision to select Simone Padoin as the central player in his three-man midfield was undoubtedly to blame for some of those surprising defeats, although there were some extenuating circumstances.

Injuries crippled the team in the opening months, with both Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio missing, leaving the coach with few options to choose from. Allegri also took Alvaro Morata off in the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, robbing his side of an attacking outlet and allowing the Bavarian giants to find a way back into the tie.

That ultimately led to Juve’s elimination in the round of 16, but that must be balanced against the fact that the Livorno native was also responsible for numerous changes that had a positive effect over the course of the entire campaign.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
1,88 - Massimiliano Allegri has now the best points/game ratio (1,88) among the current Serie A managers. Coach.

Indeed, Juve’s winning run began on October 31 against Torino; substitutes Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado combined for the latter’s vital last-minute goal.

Matches against Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Fiorentina were also swung by substitutes, as was the title-deciding clash with Napoli when Simone Zaza snatched all three points from the bench.

It happened again this past weekend, with Alvaro Morata netting against AC Milan with his second touch, smashing home a cross from fellow sub Cuadrado to seal the Coppa Italia triumph after Allegri introduced the Spaniard during extra time.

Young players like Daniele Rugani, Mario Lemina and Paulo Dybala also benefitted from the coach’s guidance, while he deserves major credit for his handling of Paul Pogba, as the French midfielder’s impact was vastly improved this term.

Earlier this month, the club announced via their official website that the 48-year-old had extended his contract until 2018, while Allegri told RAI Uno (h/t Football Italia) that he sees himself remaining in Turin even beyond that;

My future? It’s at Juve, the club and I share everything. We’ve started a new cycle with 10 lads with a nine preceding their date of birth, and to remain on par with the major clubs in Europe, given the difference in revenue, it takes a well-organised club like Juve. I hope to stay here for a long time, because I’m happy.

With another superb season in the books, Juventus undoubtedly share that opinion, despite there being some room for improvement in a talent-laden squad.

Such a young team will grow stronger over the coming seasons, and Allegri seems the ideal man to lead this group to even greater glory than he already has.

Grade: A-

Socrates · May 31, 2016

Allegri: 'Hope Pogba and Morata stay'

http://www.football-italia.net/85123/allegri-hope-pogba-and-morata-stay?

May 29, 2016

Max Allegri "hopes" Paul Pogba will stay at Juventus and urged Alvaro Morata to remain too.

The Coach was interviewed on 'Che Tempo Che Fa' on Rai3 this evening.

"Gigi Buffon is staying, Pogba is staying, at least I hope he is...," grimaced Allegri.

"Morata? If I were him, I'd remain at Juventus. Right now he's on international duty and I hope he comes back to Turin afterwards.

"It has been an extraordinary year, the lads were just marvellous. The club too, because we made a lot of changes and lost many important players, so we knew of the difficulties.

"We hit the brakes after the Super Cup and gave the others a bit of a head start in Serie A...

"Juve must always win. The Champions League is the dream for everyone, but last year we did get into the Final."

Allegri looked back over his career and unsurprisingly had an amusing anecdote about ex-Cagliari President Massimo Cellino.

"I had a good rapport with all the Presidents I worked with. Silvio Berlusconi used to say 'If you are the teacher, then I am the Professor.'

"As for Cellino, after 1,000 washes our towels had become purple. When the President saw them, he put one in the opposition locker room.

"He also cannot abide to see the number 17, ever. In the squad list we never had a 17 either, so we always went from 16 to 18."

Purple is considered bad luck among entertainers - and Cellino is in a band - while the number 17 is the Italian equivalent of 13.

Socrates · June 16, 2016

Allegri: ‘Morata must stay’

http://www.football-italia.net/85884/allegri-‘morata-must-stay’

Jun 15, 2016

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Alvaro Morata must stay, and confirms Domenico Berardi won’t join.

The Bianconeri are in negotiations with Real Madrid for the Spanish striker, as Los Merengues retain a €30m buyback clause.

“I definitely want to keep Alvaro and the club agrees with me,” Allegri confirmed on Mediaset.

“We’ll do everything to keep him, he must remain in Turin for further growth. I've advised him to stay at Juventus.

“Paul Pogba? There’s a firm intention on the part of everyone not to sell him, I’m not afraid of losing him. The player is happy here, and Juve need him.”

It was reported yesterday that Domenico Berardi had rejected a move to the Old Lady in favour of staying at Sassuolo, and Allegri confirmed that decision.

“I’m sorry that he chose to remain with Sassuolo, but he’s a great player and one day he’ll play for Juventus.”

Socrates · June 17, 2016

Juventus confident of keeping

Paul Pogba - Massimiliano Allegri

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2894779/juventus-

confident-of-keeping-paul-pogba-massimiliano-allegri

Jun 16, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is confident of keeping hold of Paul Pogba having strengthened his side's midfield with the signing of Miralem Pjanic from Roma this summer.

Allegri hopes to have both Pogba and Pjanic in his squad next season, to imrove their chances of winning the Champions League, and he is confident the France midfielder will stay.

"I'm not afraid of losing Pogba because both I and the club want to keep hold of him," Allegri told reporters at a kids' football event in his home city of Livorno.

"At this moment in time, Paul is our player, but nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, even if we have a great desire to keep him here.

"He's grown a lot and his second half of the season was extraordinary."

Allegri also welcomed the signing of Pjanic -- a player he was particularly keen on signing this summer after guiding the Bianconeri to a fifth straight Serie A title last term.

r85726_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=738&site=espn — Juventus' Paul Pogba has been linked with a number of clubs.

"Signing Pjanic is a really big move because he improves the depth of our midfield," Allegri said.

"There are only few players around who can improve us and he is one of these."

Allegri's concern now is ensuring that Alvaro Morata does not leave and force him to search for a new forward, especially after Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi turned down a move to Turin.

The Spain forward has an option in his contract to return to Real Madrid, but Allegri does not believe that would be the right move for the 23-year-old.

"I've advised him to stay at Juve," Allegri said. "Everybody wants to play regularly, but when you are at a big club, you can't give anybody a guaranteed place.

"I'm sorry that [Berardi] has chosen to stay with Sassuolo, also because I would have advised him to come to Juve. But I'm sure it will happen in the future."

Socrates · July 10, 2016

Allegri: 'CL takes luck'

http://www.football-italia.net/87027/allegri-cl-takes-luck

Jul 8, 2016

Max Allegri says winning the Champions League is an objective which 'takes luck', whilst calling Italy's defence 'the best in the world'.

The 48-year-old, like the other Serie A Coaches, has started preparing the upcoming season, and he is hoping he can spark the players' motivations right from the beginning.

“Enthusiasm is always necessary,” he told JTV. “It's a new season and we have many youngsters as well as seven-eight players from the first team here. This month must be faced with great enthusiasm because it lays the foundations for the coming season.

“This year we've got the necessary time to prepare ourselves, unlike last season when we finished late because of the Champions League final.

“Although of course we have to wait for the international players. They'll be here on August 1, with the exception of Mario Mandzukic, Dani Alves and Stephan Lichtsteiner, who will be here on the 26th.”

The Coach was then asked about his targets for the coming season.

“The foremost objective is the sixth Scudetto, alongside a great Champions League tournament. When I say it must be great, I mean that we must aim to go all the way and winning it.

“It would be extraordinary to win the Coppa Italia for the third time as well. But we've got to go slow, working day by day from here until August 31, when the season begins, so we can set up a great season.

“The Champions League in particular will also take some luck.

“Our youngsters? This season is a great opportunity for them. We have many kids, some of them ready to go and play in the lower categories like Serie B and Lega Pro. It'll be an important experience for them and in particular they must get some playing time.”

The famous Juve defensive block of Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Gianluigi Buffon impressed at Euro 2016.

“There was never any doubt. The defenders of Juventus and the Nazionale, plus the goalkeeper [Gianluigi] Buffon, are the strongest in the world.

“Of course they were going to be up to the task. They showed that they're in a great moment and they disputed an excellent Euro.

“[Paul] Pogba and [Patrice] Evra's video? I see they asked for a week off. I was going to give them two but that's fine by me, let's make it a week!”

Socrates · July 17, 2016

Allegri on Pogba and Higuain

http://www.football-italia.net/87449/allegri-pogba-and-higuain

Jul 16, 2016

Max Allegri said he “hopes” to keep Paul Pogba at Juventus, while when it comes to Gonzalo Higuain “great players are always welcome.”

The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 6-1 friendly run-out against San Mauro, which included new signing Miralem Pjanic.

“After 10 days of training work we needed a test before leaving for Australia. Pjanic knows football perfectly, so he has no problems playing in any area of midfield. He got along very well with Paulo Dybala.

“This year we’ve got a little more time to work on fitness levels, as we don’t have to rush for the Italian Super Cup at the start of August.”

Some internationals are still on their summer vacation after Euro 2016, including Manchester United target Pogba.

“We have two French players, they are Juventus players and therefore I hope they remain with us,” said Allegri.

“I won’t talk about the transfer market, the club is working well, as they did in previous years. At the moment we’ve had some important players come in, so I am happy.

“This season will be much more difficult than last term, as the bar has been raised and the opposition is more fired up.”

Allegri was asked about the potential push for Napoli hitman Higuain, who has a €94m release clause.

“Great players are always welcome, as to compete with the big clubs in Europe you need players with important technique and quality.

“Juventus started a journey five years ago and, slowly, the club has constructed an important team.”

Socrates · July 21, 2016

Allegri: 'Juventus top four in Europe'

http://www.football-italia.net/87490/allegri-juventus-top-four-europe

Jul 17, 2016

Max Allegri warns Paul Pogba and Leonardo Bonucci that “Juventus are now among the top four European clubs and want the Champions League.”

The Coach was speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport and asked about the huge bids on the table from Manchester United and Manchester City for their star players.

“I am calm about the English rumours. Anyone who has the opportunity to leave Juventus has to consider things very carefully, because right now Juve are among the top four European clubs.

“This is not a selling club that just lets its players go. Pogba belongs to Juve and at the end of the day he too will want to win another Scudetto and hopefully the Champions League.

“We have grown in terms of appeal and awareness of our own capabilities. So far our market this summer has been eight out of 10, bringing in players of international pedigree like Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves and Miralem Pjanic.”

They could well be soon joined by Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain, even with his €94m release clause.

“I just hear chatter, but I am a Coach and focus on my team. On August 31 we’ll see where we are. The club focuses on the transfer market and always does it very well.

“Of course great champions are always welcome, because to compete at the top you need quality players.

Socrates · July 21, 2016

Allegri welcomes new Juve stars

http://www.football-italia.net/87491/allegri-welcomes-new-juve-stars

Jul 17, 2016

Max Allegri welcomed new stars Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves and Medhi Benatia, but “wouldn’t be surprised” if Gonzalo Higuain chose Juventus.

The Coach gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport and discussed building the team with Paul Pogba and Leonardo Bonucci in mind.

“From my first day in charge there have been some big steps forward. This Juve has grown in terms of self-belief. The first year there was this cosmic level of pessimism and a frightening degree of negativity based around the fear of not even getting through the Champions League group phase, but from there we went on a journey that grew our confidence.

“A side that is coming off a lot of success has to begin again with the right mental strength, without arrogance.”

How will Allegri deal with the Italy and France players who return from Euro 2016 disappointed?

“Italy didn’t deserve to go out and those are the defeats that can really hurt you. But football is also wonderful because it gives you the opportunity to get right back up and win again.

“If I see someone is wiped out, I’ll give them a little more vacation time.”

There are several new arrivals in the squad for this season, as after five consecutive Serie A titles, Juve make a definitive push for the Champions League.

“Dani Alves has experience and technique. With Stephan Lichtsteiner we’ll have an important push down the flanks.

“Pjanic plays in front of the defence or as a trequartista. He can do everything because he knows football perfectly well and therefore has no problems playing in any zone of the pitch. He’s also only 26 years old, so can improve even more.

“We know Paulo Dybala already, he has great skill and a very clear objective: to become one of the best players in the world.

“Now, saying that we need another two or three players is unfair, especially as I don’t want to talk about transfers, but the club is working well and knows we need alternatives.

“Is this the strongest Juventus squad I’ve had? Every team is different, but this one is very strong and I am fortunate to be training great champions.”

There is one piece of the puzzle missing, namely a great centre-forward like Napoli striker Higuain.

“Pjanic said he wouldn’t be surprised if Higuain chose Juve? Well, this club now has a different appeal, so it’s an understandable attitude.

“It’ll be a difficult season, because the bar has been raised in Italy and Europe. Do I see euphoria among the fans? Euphoria is the spice of life, without it you don’t work well.”

Socrates · July 23, 2016

Allegri: ‘Two important games’

http://www.football-italia.net/87733/allegri-‘two-important-games’

Jul 21, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri insists Juventus face “two important tests” against Melbourne Victory and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Bianconeri are in Australia for the International Champions Cup, as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.

“We’re all delighted with this welcome,” Allegri said at the official presentation.

“We’re working well here and we’ll have two important tests against Melbourne and Tottenham to prepare for the season.

“They will be two games where, beyond the result, we’ll be analysing our condition in view of the League.”

Socrates · July 23, 2016

Allegri: ‘Pogba still a Juventus player’

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/87755/allegri-‘pogba-still-juventus-player’

Jul 22, 2016

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri notes Paul Pogba “is still a Juventus player” and is “confident” he’ll stay.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but the Bianconeri rejected their first offer.

Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho admitted that they have other targets in mind, potentially indicating a stall in negotiations.

“Right now he’s still a Juventus player,” Allegri told reporters in a Press conference in Melbourne.

“We don’t know what will happen in the course of the next week, but we’re confident.

“At the end of the transfer window we’ll have a very strong team. Dani Alves, [Medhi] Benatia, [Miralem] Pjanic and [Marko] Pjaca have come in.

“When the window closes the team will be very strong.”

UPDATE: TuttoJuve is reporting some further comments from Allegri from the Press conference, in which he seemed less certain of holding on to Pogba.

"When we return to Turin I'll have all the big names available. The club is working well on the transfer market and I'm calm in working with the team that I have to prepare for the League, which starts on August 21.

"Pogba? At the moment he's a Juventus player, but as I say the transfer window is open and the club are vigilant.

"The fact is the club has bought four key players to improve the team in Pjanic, Dani Alves, Pjaca and Benatia.

"I'm sure on August 31 we'll have a competitive team in Italy and in Europe."

Socrates · July 23, 2016

Allegri: Even without Pogba, Juventus have top-class squad

The Bianconeri head coach indicated that the France international remains

on the Italian's books and also pointed to their strength in depth.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/24092/icc-2016/2016/07/22/25842342/-?

Jul 22, 2016

Paul Pogba may leave Turin for Manchester but Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri remains convinced he will have one of the best squads in Europe this season regardless of the Frenchman's future.

Juventus' off-season is set to be dominated by questions about Pogba's future, with the 23-year-old midfielder widely expected to join Manchester United.

But while many Juve fans will fear losing Pogba, Allegri is adamant the five-time reigning Serie A champions will be stronger in 2016-17 than last season.

"At the moment I can tell you that Pogba is a Juventus player. We don't know what is going to happen but Juventus will look after that, and I can tell you that we [have already signed] four first-class players in [Dani] Alves, [Miralem] Pjanic, [Marko] Pjaca and [Medhi] Benatia," Allegri said on Friday.

"Of course, from here until August 31, which is the end of the transfer market, anything can happen but I feel confident that at the end of August Juventus is going to have a good team that's going to be strong and be able to compete in all competitions."

Juventus are in wintry Melbourne ahead of their first pre-season friendly on Saturday, with Allegri's men set to face local club Melbourne Victory in the opening match of the 2016 International Champions Cup (ICC).

While the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid have chosen the summer heat of the United States for their pre-season tour, Allegri has taken Juve to Australia for the second time in three years.

The 48-year-old argued he would prefer to train under grey, rainy skies as Juve did on Friday.

"We came here because here we work very well, especially for two reasons - for the temperatures and the facilities, which are first class," Allegri said.

While Allegri refused to discuss a possible line-up for Saturday's match, Victory coach Kevin Muscat revealed he will plump for a youthful central defensive partnership in a bid to shackle Paulo Dybala, Pjanic and Co.

While Ansell, 22, and Donachie, 23, both have A-League championship medals at home and over 100 senior matches between them, they will arguably face one of the toughest tests of their career on Saturday night.

But another young Victory defender Jason Geria insisted the home side wouldn't be scared of the Italian champions.

"We're going into the game with a mindset that we want to go out and play our way," he said.

"We don't want to go and just be an opposition just for them to do whatever they want."

Muscat added that Juventus should be ready for a full-blooded contest: "It's going to be difficult to hold the boys back, as we've seen previously, because we're playing against some very good individuals and very good teams."

Since Victory last played Juventus in a 4-1 defeat in 2007, the three-time A-League champions have lost to four other top-tier European clubs in friendlies without a single win or draw.

Socrates · July 23, 2016

Allegri ignores Higuain questions

http://www.football-italia.net/88226/allegri-ignores-higuain-questions

Jul 23, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri rebuffed questions on Gonzalo Higuain and Paul Pogba. “The club will make a comment on that.”

The Bianconeri are in Australia for the International Champions Cup, where they drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory and lost the penalty shoot-out.

However, the match was utterly overshadowed by multiple reports from Italy thatHiguain has already undergone a medical with Juventus and they’ll pay Napoli to full €94m release clause.

“I do not talk about transfer market news. The club will make comment on that. The only thing I’ll talk about tonight is the game,” replied Allegri.

He was also asked about the possibility of Pogba moving to Manchester United or Real Madrid.

“As I said before, I’m not going to talk about transfer news. We just had a game. I’m not sure what’s happened in the transfer market during the last few days, so once again I prefer to have questions during the game.

"It was a decent workout for us. I'm happy with how our youngsters performed this evening.”

Carlos Blanco scored a sensational lob from the centre-circle.

“He's got good feet and scored a splendid goal."

News agency Ansa also called Juventus to ask about Higuain, but received “no confirmation.”

Socrates · July 25, 2016

Juventus manager Max Allegri confirms Miralem Pjanic,

Medhi Benatia will start against Tottenham

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/7/25/12269682/juventus-tottenham-

max-allegri-miralem-pjanic-medhi-benatia-2016-international-champions-cup

Jul 25, 2016

The good thing about Max Allegri press conferences is that sometimes he’s not afraid to tell the press that he’s in no mood to talk about something. On Monday in Australia, that topic was any kind of potential moves on the summer transfer market. Max wasn’t having any of it, so the press rightfully let it be and that was that.

So that left Mr. Allegri to speak solely about Juventus’ game about Tottenham a little over 24 hours later. And speak about he did.

The big development to come out of the latest Allegri appearance in front of a microphone with the Australian press was who would be playing from the start and what formation the team will likely be lining up in against Spurs the next day. The main part of it includes three senior squad players who didn’t step onto the field in Juventus’ shootout loss to Melbourne Victory — summer signings Miralem Pjanic and Medhi Benatia as well as midfielder Roberto Pereyra.

And when it comes to what formation Juventus’ third-year manager will be using against Spurs, this is what he had this to say:

So Pjanic, Benatia and a four-man defense. Things will certainly be looking a little bit different compared to Juve’s first game in Australia. That’s not a bad thing, obviously, But that’s also what the preseason is for — not just to get match fitness up and prepare the players physically, but to also have the chance to experiment with things in games that don’t mean anything in the standings. There’s no risk in Allegri going between a four-man defense and 3-5-2 formation right now.

Not only will it be interesting to see who Allegri pairs Benatia with in the center of that anticipated four-man defense — my money’s on Daniele Rugani because that’s the logical choice given the circumstances — but also important to see where Pjanic is fielded. Is he going to be the regista? Will he play alongside somebody else who is the regista? This will be a big clue as to what Allegri has in store for Pjanic during — and potentially after — Claudio Marchisio’s injury absence.

Oh, and there’s also this little observation from one of our Twitter friends who is currently watching Juventus’ training session at AAMI Park.

Follow

Patrick Gullaci @pgullaci

Alex Sandro training on the right side of defence, something Allegri mentioned in the presser. Asamoah training at left back.#JuveOnTour

9:33 AM - 25 Jul 2016

Retweets

1 like

That’s ... interesting. I guess that’s something to keep an eye on the rest of the preseason considering that the main first team options at right back that we all think of, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Dani Alves, are currently on holiday. Could Alex Sandro actually play at right back against Spurs (or down the road)? That’s why we’re going to watch, folks. It’s a pretty unique thing considering what kind of left back he is, that’s for sure.

Oh yeah, there’s also this little thing to be happy about: It’s just nice to be talking tactics and where players going to be played for a change in the middle of the transfer rumored-filled rush we’re currently in. It’s just another sign that we’re getting closer and closer to both the start of the 2016-17 season and the summer transfer window being shut.

Socrates · July 25, 2016

Allegri: 'Won't discuss Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/88310/allegri-wont-discuss-pogba

Jul 25, 2016

Juventus' Max Allegri won't discuss a possible sale of Paul Pogba, whilst promising Medhi Benatia, Miralem Pjanic and Roberto Pereyra will play tomorrow.

The Bianconeri have an International Champions Cup tie established against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, and this represents one of the first opportunities for the Coach to test out his new players.

“Tomorrow Benatia, Pjanic and Pereyra are going to play,” Allegri told the Press. “We'll play with a four-man defence, with Alex Sandro or a youngster on the right.

“I'll try and give more playing time to those who start from the first minute. It's going to be a different game than the one against Victory and it'll be an important test to give continuity to our preparation.

“This year we'll play against all of the big teams right from the start, but it would be tough for us to do any worse than last year, when we picked up one point in three games.

“You can never say in football. On paper, it's certainly a more challenging beginning of the season, but in the end winning a championship means winning a certain number of games, and that's what we're going to try and do.”

Allegri was then asked about the possible sale of Paul Pogba to Real Madrid or Manchester United.

“This is an argument I don't want to talk about. We're here to train and to get ready for the upcoming season. All I can say is that from Turin they're doing a fantastic job and a fantastic market.”

Socrates · July 26, 2016

Allegri won’t discuss Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/88373/allegri-won’t-discuss-pogba?

Jul 26, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri has refused to be drawn on midfielder Paul Pogba’s future at the Serie A champions.

In the wake of his team’s 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG, the Bianconeri boss was questioned about heavy speculation linking the French star with a world record transfer to Manchester United.

“It’s an issue I don’t want to talk about,” Allegri said at the Press conference in Melbourne, Australia.

“I don’t set prices for players, it is the transfer market that decides them.

“Everybody has their value. Some are high, some are low.”

Pogba is yet to return for pre-season training, having recently suffered defeat in the final of Euro 2016 with his national team.

Socrates · July 26, 2016

Allegri: All ingredients there

http://www.football-italia.net/88385/allegri-all-ingredients-there?

Jul 26, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri believes all the ingredients are there for his team to have a great year.

The tactician today presided over his side’s first win of pre-season, a 2-1 victory over English outfit Tottenham Hotspur.

“It was a good test,” Allegri said of the encounter at Australia’s MCG. “I saw a good Juventus for 60 minutes, then we suffered but not too much.

“It was important to see the physical, tactical and technical condition of the squad.

“We are improving, now we have one more game in Hong Kong and then we go home.

“All the ingredients are there to improve and to have a great year.”

Socrates · July 26, 2016

JUVENTUS 2-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: ALLEGRI HAPPY

WITH NEW SIGNINGS BENATIA, PJANIC

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was all praises for his new signings

Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic, as the Bianconeri ran away 2-1

winners against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/multi-media/2016/07/27/juventus-2-1-

tottenham-hotspur-allegri-happy-with-new-signings-benatia-pjanic/?

Jul 26, 2016

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala opened the s bcoring early on, before new signing Medhi Benatia doubled the sccore for the Serie A champions 11 minutes later. While Erik Lamela pulled one goal back in the second half, it was too little too late for Spurs to make a comeback.

Allegri was especially pleased with the performance of his new signings Benatia and Pjanic in the game, as he expressed his pleasure at Juventus’ dominance over Pochettino’s side for the first 60 minutes.

“For the first hour, the boys really held their own, showing great determination and keeping a good shape. Regarding (Medhi) Benatia and (Miralem) Pjanic, both put in excellent performances considering this was their first match with us,” Allegri was quoted as saying on Jiuventus’ official website. “There’s great potential to improve their conditions physically and to gear up for a great season ahead.

“It was a good game, another useful run out for the boys and for 60 minutes we played well. It was important to monitor the players’ physical conditions and to see where they are at in terms of technique and tactics.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was pleased that his side showed the character to come back into the game and score a goal in the second half.

“That was a very good test and the second half was very good. Maybe we need to say we were 2-0 down in the first half and 1-0 up in the second half. It’s not about the result, it’s about how we compete and how to get the best performance to be fit for the start of the season. It was a good experience and all positive,” Pochettino was quoted as saying on Spurs’ official website.

The Argentine, who most recently committed his future to Tottenham, had special praise for Erik Lamela, as the Spurs attacker scored Tottenham’s only goal of the game. He said, “Erik Lamela was good and scored a great goal. We played well, much better in the second half. We need to take all the positive things out of this performance, learn and improve.”

Twitter reactions

The match might have been billed as a pre-season friendly, but judging by Allegri’s touch-line antics, it is no surprise that Juventus were the hungrier of the two sides in this game.

There was a lot of praise for the likes of Pjanic and Benatio, who were involved in the second goal of the match, that was barely attended by around five thousand fans. Here are some of the best reactions we found on Twitter.

Follow

Ezequiel Trumper @EzequielTrumper

Argentine football in display at #JuveTottenham while Pochetino and Lamela watch. Dybala scores. Pity the crowd. Game televised worldwide.

12:15 PM - 26 Jul 2016

1 Retweet

1 like

While Tottenham fans did praise the likes of Lamela and Victor Wanyama for their good showing, most of the Spurs’ supporters were not altogether happy with the result.

Follow

Nathan | LFC @grubbavitch

Wanyama's defensive actions behind the last few chances for Spurs. Lamela profiting on this occasion. 2-1. #JuveTottenham

1:32 PM - 26 Jul 2016

Retweets

likes

Follow

Vicas @tigervicas

That's what happens when the boys are out at crown casino at 4am in the morning #SpursInOz #JuveTottenham

12:31 PM - 26 Jul 2016

Retweets

1 like

At the end of the day though, it was the Juventus fans who were the happier of the lot — not just because the Bianconeri won this match, but also because they managed to secure the signing of Gonzalo Higuain, who was Serie A’s top scorer last season with 36 goals from 35 appearances.

Socrates · July 30, 2016

Allegri: 'Higuain, great signing'

http://www.football-italia.net/88499/allegri-higuain-great-signing

Jul 29, 2016

Max Allegri praises the 'excellent job' of Juventus on the market and the 'great signing' of Gonzalo Higuain.

The Bianconeri Coach is enjoying a tournee on the other side of the world, and he spoke out during a Press conference in Hong Kong.

“Higuain is a great signing for us, as are all the other new arrivals,” said Allegri. “The club is doing an excellent job on the market and I have complete faith in the work of the directors.

“Our team is very competitive, but winning is never an easy task, so we'll have to work hard to reach our objectives.

“In Australia Benatia and Pjanic both played well, showing that they're in a good condition. They'll be available tomorrow again and I'll make use of them.”

Socrates · July 30, 2016

Allegri: ‘Juventus learned our lessons’

http://www.football-italia.net/88546/allegri-‘juventus-learned-our-lessons’?

Jul 30, 2016

Coach Massimiliano Allegri admits Juventus have learned their lessons after “we paid dearly for two months” last season.

The Bianconeri once again won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double last term, but were in the bottom half of the League before a win over Torino on Halloween.

After their pre-season tour wrapped up with a win over South China today, the Coach spoke to the Old Lady’s official website about the season ahead.

“It was a good test today,” Allegri noted.

“It wasn’t easy to play in this temperature, but the lads were committed. We’ve completed the first part of pre-season without any injuries and that’s a good sign.

“Now on Tuesday we’ll get everyone together [some players are in Vinovo after international duty] and we’ll start the Juventus season.

“It’s a very important season, as they all are for Juventus, because we start having to achieve all the objectives we’re aiming for.

“We have five new players who we have to integrate with different characteristics and different ways of working.

“We have the strength to start again immediately and with great humility, because you can take things a little too much for granted and last year we paid a dear price for two months.

“This year there are several motivations, but we definitely have to be ready to prepare for the season and get to March competing in the Champions League, the League and the Coppa Italia.”

Accedi

Massimiliano Allegri

Recommended Posts

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Juventus confident of keeping

Paul Pogba - Massimiliano Allegri

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio

Condividi su altri siti

Socrates 8386

Condividi questo messaggio

Link di questo messaggio