Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8386]

Massimiliano Allegri Deserves Praise for Bold
Juventus Champions League Choices

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2559875-massimiliano-allegri-deserves-praise-for-bold-juventus-champions-league-choices?

Sep 2, 2015

The start of the 2015/16 campaign has been undoubtedly poor for Juventus, the Serie A champions beginning their bid for a fifth consecutive title with losses in each of their opening two games. That has not happened since the 1912/13 season, and the Bianconeri will hope to arrest that slide when they return to action against Chievo next weekend.

Just three days after that encounter, the club faces its first Champions League outing, taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on September 15. Following the closure of the transfer window, UEFA requires each side to enter their squads for the competition, and La Madama's list contained two notable omissions.

Just as he was last year, Kwadwo Asamoah continues to be sidelined, and the Ghana international was not part of the selected group, per Juve's official website. If that was somewhat understandable, the absence of Simone Padoin is much more of a talking point.

The 31-year-old was in the starting XI in the defeats to both Udinese and AS Roma, selected in the centre of midfield by Massimiliano Allegri as the coach told reporters there were few alternatives.

"I have players with specific characteristics, and right now, the only one who can play in front of the defence is Padoin," Allegri said at his press conference before the defeat to the Giallorossi. "I tested out others to take away my doubts, but they'd all be gambles. It is more logical to stick with Padoin."

A week earlier, the Juve boss called the player "a versatile figure" (h/t Football Italia) and added that "having him is an advantage for a coach." Yet the team struggled for cohesion in both games, with Padoin's lack of ability on the ball a clear hindrance once possession had been won.

Allegri's nod to his versatility is well-founded, however, with the player able to also occupy the full-back or wing-back position on either flank, a job he has done admirably over the past few years. Indeed, since arriving in January 2012, Padoin has done everything his coaches have asked and rarely disappointed over his 96 appearances for the club.

He has been rewarded with four league-winner's medals, victory in this year's Coppa Italia final and three Supercoppa Italiana triumphs. Last season, Allegri often used him as a late substitute, his introduction sending a clear message the coach believed a particular game was won.

Yet those two fixtures this season have proved a larger role is beyond Padoin at the highest level, and the club's summer signings indicate his place in the side will become less prominent. After Sami Khedira's arrival at the start of the transfer window, deadline day saw Juventus add French youngster Mario Lemina and Brazil international Hernanes, adding some much-needed depth in midfield.

Alex Sandro provides a viable alternative to Patrice Evra at left-back, while Martin Caceres' return to fitness means Allegri has a similarly fine deputy for Stephan Lichtsteiner. The coach's words at those press conferences portrayed Padoin as a safe option, and the decision to omit him now hints at a bravery that warrants praise.

Rather than continue to select the reliable former Atalanta and Vicenza man, Allegri has now ensured his choices must be bold, that the likes of Stefano Sturaro, Roberto Pereyra and Lemina will all be given their time in the spotlight.

That also puts pressure on them to raise their performances, to repay the faith of the coach and to show they deserve the responsibility they are now certain to be given with Padoin on the outside looking in.

Massimiliano Allegri has undoubtedly made errors in the opening two matches, but the makeup of his Champions League squad will ensure they are not repeated, and for that he deserves to be applauded.

[Socrates 8386]

Jugovic: Allegri Has Created A Juventus
Team More Suited To His Ideas

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/jugovic-allegri-has-created-a-juventus-team-more-suited-to-his-ideas/?

Sep 2, 2015

Former Juventus midfielder Vladimir Jugovic has said that coach Massimiliano Allegri has created a team more suited to his tactics following the signing of Hernanes.

The Old Lady signed the Brazilian from Inter on deadline day during their last-ditch attempt to bring in a playmaker to the side, following the club’s failure to sign Schalke winger Julian Draxler.

“Hernanes? I liked Vidal a lot….” joked Jugovic to Tuttosport.

“But let’s hope that the former Inter player turns out to be an excellent reinforcement.”

He continued: “The club hierarchy acted with courage and now time will tell whether the results will be in line with the past successes.”

“After four seasons of triumphs, it is right to refresh the squad and it is just a normal period of adjustment.”

“This is certainly a team which reflects better the ideas of Allegri. ”

[Socrates 8386]

Max Allegri Approval Rating - August 2015

The Allegri Approval Rating System has returned.
How did Max Allegri do in the month of August?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/2/9247245/max-allegri-approval-rating-august-2015-juventus

Sep 2, 2015

The 2015-16 season is now well and truly underway, with two games already played in Serie A, the Champions League group draw already done and the transfer window closed. Juventus are not off to the best of starts, but the dice have been cast and it remains to see how they land as the season unfolds.

This is how they have looked on the pitch so far:

2-0 win against Lazio in the Italian Super Cup
0-1 loss at home against Udinese in the Serie A
1-2 loss away against Roma in the Serie A

Off the pitch, there has been some major overhauling of the squad. Gone are some familiar faces that have been an integral part of the four straight League titles: Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal, Marco Storari, Fernando Llorente Simone Pepe and Angelo Ogbonna with Kingsley Coman, Mauricio Isla and Paulo De Ceglie loaned out. That's 10 players from the full squad now gone.

While manager Massimiliano Allegri has done a decent job replacing a lot of these players, that 'star' element has been missing especially in that No. 10 role with rumored deals for Julian Draxler and Isco among others falling through. Joining the squad are Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Neto, Hernanes, Alex Sandro and Simone Zaza with Mario Lemina and Juan Cuadrado joining the Bianconeri on loan.

On the basis of how Juve have played in the three matches, as well as the dealings in the summer mercato, tell us how you think Allegri has done. Remember, we'll be doing this every month of the season and tracking the grades we're giving Mad Max all year as well.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Juve spoiled at the top'

http://www.football-italia.net/72491/allegri-juve-spoiled-top?

Sep 3, 2015

Coach Max Allegri says Juventus have been 'spoiled by four years at the top' but 'have time' to make good on their six-point deficit.

The Bianconeri had a terrible start to the season, losing the first two games and raising doubts about the team's play without the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez.

But Allegri is keeping a positive outlook, and in an interview with Tuttosport, he started out by discussing their Champions League campaign.

“We have an interesting group and some good challenges, and our objective is to qualify,” he said.

“But first we have to think about Chievo. Once the break is over we have to win our first game.

“We have zero points and we're six away from the top of the league, but it's a long championship and we'll have time to make good the distance.

“We'll have to be patient. After the break I'll get almost everyone back. We have an important month coming up and I'll face it with a full squad.”

Allegri then discussed the new situation for the Old Lady as they have to start from the bottom.

“It's true that we'd been spoiled, having spent four years at the top.

“But now we've got to get used to catching up, and this is something that can happen in football, otherwise things would be too easy.

“I have an excellent and balanced squad that I can work with.

“The club did what they intended to at the beginning of the season, changing a number of elements.

“When you renew your team it's understandable that some problems may arise.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Expect goals from Hernanes'

http://www.football-italia.net/72492/allegri-expect-goals-hernanes?

Sep 3, 2015

Coach Max Allegri says he 'expects goals' from Juventus new signings Hernanes and Mario Lemina.

The new players for the Bianconeri have a lot to live up to after the departure of champions like Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

Replacing them proved a challenging task for director general Beppe Marotta, and Coach Max Allegri recognised the difficulty of the task.

“The transfer campaign wasn't easy,” he said, in an interview with Tuttosport. "But now we have a competitive team that can challenge on multiple fronts.

“Some important players left us, but others with excellent qualities have joined. Unfortunately we had a few injuries.

"Morata is already back, and with the return of Marchisio and Khedira our midfield will be complete, in terms of numbers as well as from a tactical-technical point of view.”

The 48-year-old then discussed some of the team's new signings, starting from former Lazio and Inter player Hernanes.

“I'm expecting goals from Hernanes. We're talking about an important player, who was part of the Brazilian national team and who'll certainly do well with us.

“I'm happy about his arrival because he has experience, quality, technique and goals in his legs. He also takes free kicks.

“He's an excellent signing. And Lemina is a quality youngster, though of course he'll have to develop over time.

“Pogba? I'm glad he stayed, but I never had any doubts that he might leave.

“Paul is an excellent player, but he is young and he can improve even further.

“I think he'll have another excellent championship, like in the last few years.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus' season starts now

The Serie A champions have lost the opening two matches of their domestic campaign as they
go in search of a fifth straight Scudetto and their boss feels he can turn results around.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2015/09/07/15122672/-?

Sep 7, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has vowed to kickstart his side's season following a poor start to the campaign.

The Serie A champions have lost their opening two league matches to Udinese and Roma having sold key players such as Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez over the summer.

Allegri has added ten new faces to his squad in a bid to offset their departures, and the former Milan boss Allegri feels his side will show improvements against Chievo now that they are bedded in.

"We don’t know where we can go, or what our margin for improvement is. Our season starts this week," he told reporters.

“Chievo? My second adventure with Juventus begins with them. This will be a busy month between the League and the Champions League. We have to work.

“There’s no such thing as a transitional year at a big club. The squad has excellent quality, but with 10 new players it’s normal that it takes some time."

Roma, Inter and Milan have all strengthened their squads considerably over the summer as they look to deny Juve their fifth Serie A title in a row.

And Allegri is under no illusions that he will find it tough during his second season in Turin and that his side has no right to victory.

"I’m thinking positively, and I don’t see any reason to do otherwise. We have all the potential to do well.

“Winning is never guaranteed, under any circumstances. Our opponents have strengthened, and we need to prove ourselves.”

[Socrates 8386]

Why Allegri’s New-Look Juventus Is Stuttering

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/why-allegris-new-look-juventus-is-stuttering/?

Sep 8, 2015

Two consecutive losses in their first two matches sees Juventus sit in 17th position on the Serie A table. And with the Bianconeri’s title defence off to a faltering start, Ryan Wrenn assesses what has gone wrong with Massimiliano Allegri’s new-look side.

Massimiliano Allegri’s dramatic reworking of his Juventus side is already being called into question a mere two games into the season.

Some changes were forced upon him. The team is clearly feeling the loss of a trio of their best players. The departures of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo this summer were never going to make for an easy transition.

Injuries have also played a part. Alvaro Morata has been limited to a mere 28 minutes over the first two games while new midfield signing Sami Khedira won’t make his debut until October at the earliest.

Speaking of Juventus’ struggles this season in the context of departures and injuries neglects to appreciate how much the team has changed over the summer however. Though Allegri was rumored to be targeting some like-for-like replacements for the departed – most notably his former AC Milan star midfielder Riccardo Montolivo in for Pirlo – most of the changes have been significantly more about transforming than stabilizing.

The considerable business Juventus did do on the transfer market – €120 million spent on eight players plus two loan signings – had more to do with fortifying the attack than attempting to replicate the contributions of Pirlo and Vidal in midfield. This is the kind of spending spree often only undertaken by a team entering a rebuilding phase.

Rebuilding to what, exactly? It’s tempting to look at the Juventus’ first two games and see some symmetry with Allegri’s old side, AC Milan.The defense looks uninspired and especially narrow even for a back three. A workman’s effort in midfield, borderline-utility players there not to dazzle but simply to do a job while the attackers in front bear the weight of settling the game. Paul Pogba, much like Kevin Prince Boateng before him, looks lost in a makeshift trequartista role.

Now, of course, Allegri’s AC Milan won the Scudetto in 2011 and followed it up with second and third place finishes. Were it not for Juventus’ reemergence, they might have had a similar era of dominance in Serie A. They were, in short, a good team.

The problem, of course, is that Juventus were – and likely still are – a great team. Allegri inherited a side last season that had been crafted by Antonio Conte as deftly and skillfully an Old Master had crafted a work of art. It was that team with which Allegri came close to winning the treble in undoubtedly his greatest season as a head coach.

As with all works of art, the paint started to crack and colors began to fade. Some small chips fell away entirely. Any responsible curator will tell you what to do in that scenario. You touch it up, add in a few brushstrokes here and there, fill in the blanks. Though you’ll never be able to replicate the original artist’s work, it is your duty to at least honor what made the work great, to ensure that it endures.

Instead of touching up Conte’s masterpiece, Allegri seems more content to paint over it. The transfer window seems proof enough of that, though these opening two games have made it especially clear. The majesty with which Juventus used to control the midfield seems to be slipping away.

Compare the corresponding fixture against Roma last season to their recent loss. Allegri, knowing that Juventus only had to maintain the gap between them and their primary competitors for the Scudetto, played for and got the draw. The midfield trio was its typically dominate self even in the absence of Pirlo due to injury. Vidal, Roberto Pereyra and Claudio Marchisio averaged 37 successful passes as the latter player did his best attempt at replicating Pirlo’s usual contributions.

This season’s trip to Rome looked markedly different in both substance and style. Paul Pogba, Simone Padoin and Stefano Sturaro averaged a mere 23 passes. They struggled to contain an admittedly fantastic Roma midfield and, more worryingly, seemed reluctant to contribute anything to attack in those rare moments when they did reclaim the ball. Only when Pereyra was introduced in the 71st minute did the midfield begin to resemble its former self, but by then it was too little too late.

It is far too early to make a final judgment on Allegri’s intent with Juventus this season, it must be said. It could be that the international break will make him reconsider his tactics in the opening two games. Perhaps he will field a more familiar team in Saturday’s crucial game against league leaders Chievo.

Over four seasons of football, no one in Serie A has yet found a way to reliably usurp Conte’s Juventus. As much as Allegri surely wants to imprint his own mark on the team, there is no sense in changing a formula that could still remain entirely effective.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri Is A Friend Says Adriano Galliani

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-coach-is-a-friend-says-adriano-galliani/?

Sep 8, 2015

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliano insists Massimiliano Allegri is a friend despite his club’s decision to sack the Juventus coach.

Allegri was sacked by the Rossoneri after a 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo left the club thirty points adrift of Antonio Conte’s Juventus, however Galliani shrugged off the questions regarding whether he regrets the decision and insists he remains friends with the Bianconeri coach.

“Is he a regret? No he’s a friend,” insisted the Milan vice-president.

Both Galliani and Allegri were present in Milan on Monday, coinciding with the Juventus coach’s new personal smartphone app called ‘Mr Allegri tactics’.

Allegri succeeded Antonio Conte at the Juventus stadium in summer 2014 less than seven months after his dismissal at the Rossoneri, and in his debut season with the Old Lady he guided them to the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and narrowly missed out on an historic treble after losing to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘It was time for change’

http://www.football-italia.net/72952/allegri-%E2%80%98it-was-time-change%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri says ‘it was time for change’ over the summer and discusses Juventus’ new-look attack.

The Bianconeri lost influential trio Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo in the off-season and have started the new campaign slowly, picking up one point from three Serie A matches.

They begin their Champions League campaign away to Manchester City on Tuesday evening, with kick off at 19:45 UK time.

“It is always difficult to repeat a season like the one we had, so we all decided it was time for a change,” Allegri said to UEFA.com

“In any case, Tevez wanted to go back to Argentina, Vidal wanted to go to Bayern and Pirlo decided to try his luck in the United States.

“Now we have some talented young players, but we need to work and develop, both individually and as a team. Every season, every year is difficult, but the important thing is trying to improve every day.

“Mandzukic has scored for every team he's played for, so I believe he'll do great things this year. He should be an example for our attackers; because they're younger, he has more responsibility.

"Dybala is young but he did well at Palermo and has great ability. He needs to improve and learn to fit in with our other strikers, but along with [fellow forwards] Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza he can be an important player.

“Pogba’s mission is to improve on last season. He's 22 and he has a lot of room for improvement. He has taken on the challenge of wearing the number 10 shirt but he has the quality to live up to it. He's currently one of the best midfielders around, but he can become the very best.

"The goalkeeper's role has changed a lot – sometimes he is an additional player who can start moves from the back. However, I think it is important for the team to play an attacking, pressing style in order to keep the ball in the opponents' half as much as possible.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Italian future is bright'

http://www.football-italia.net/73167/allegri-italian-future-bright?

Sep 19, 2015

Max Allegri feels “the future is bright for Italian football” after Juventus stunned Manchester City.

The Bianconeri reached the Champions League Final last season, while this week they began the tournament with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad.

“Every League has its football culture and it’s different. The English have a way of playing that is less tactical than ours, but ultimately teams win because they have the best players,” said Coach Allegri in a Press conference.

“Just look at Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who are a big step ahead of the rest in their Leagues because they have the best players.

“Each League has its pros and cons. There is one difference in England, which is that they have much more spending power and after six months can change the whole team again. In Italy we are getting a little closer, as shown by an Italian reaching the Champions League Final and two sides in the Europa League semi-finals.

“We have some great young players coming up and the future looks bright for Italian football. Nobody is born with experience, so we need to give them the right time to grow.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: We Have To Start Gaining Ground On Our Rivals

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/allegri-we-have-to-start-gaining-ground-on-our-rivals/?

Sep 22, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his team must start performing if they are to catch up to leaders Inter and other potential Scudetto challengers.

The Old Lady have secured just one win so far this season in Serie A and have just four points from four games, but Allegri is confident the side can still have a good campaign.

“For now we are behind in the league, against Frosinone we have to win as we have been poor at home, we must begin to move up the table,” said Allegri in pre-match press conference.

“We are aware of the difficulties we had in pre-season, but the Italian Super Cup was a major trophy and we won it.

“The team is responding well to a difficult moment, I have a lot of options for the game against Frosinone.

“At the Marassi against Genoa we did not conceded a shot on goal and we deserved the victory.

“Our first goal of the season is of course to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage and I think that we took the first step to qualification in Manchester.

“Lemina is suitable for our midfield, his debut against Genoa, it went well.”

The former AC Milan coach then updated the media about Juventus’ injury situation with Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic.

“It’s too early for Khedira and Marchisio. Kwadwo Asamoah is training with the team and will soon be available,” Allegri continued.

“I will assess the condition of Morata. I will make my decisions accordingly and the same applies for Cuadrado.”

[Socrates 8386]

Max Allegri confident Juventus
'will come back to fight at the top'

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2634135/max-allegri-confident-juventus-will-come-back-to-fight?

Sep 26, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri remained confident that his side will bounce back after their miserable start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat at Napoli.

Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain scored on either side of half-time, and though Mario Lemina got a goal back for Juventus they could not find an equaliser and remain on just five points from six games.

It was the four-time defending champions' third defeat so far this campaign after Juventus lost just three all of last season and had only two defeats the previous campaign.

"It's a difficult period, no one is hiding that, but the season is long," Allegri said. "Now we're thinking of the Champions League and next Sunday, then there's the international break."

Juventus are already 10 points behind early leaders Inter, who host Fiorentina on Sunday.

Allegri could not call on Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira against Napoli, while Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado were rested ahead of Wednesday's home Champions League match against Sevilla.

"Tonight, I can't reproach the lads for what they did on the pitch," Allegri said. "In my mind Juve will come back to fight at the top of the table.

"I don't know if we will manage but we have to try and see if we can do it and when everyone is back I will have the opportunity to put out players with more experience.''

Allegri suggested Juventus were the recipients of some bad luck for the second game running after Wednesday's 1-1 draw in which Frosinone scored in stoppage time.

"We have to work and get some points. Sometimes football is brutal, a corner can change a result after 34 shots on goal," Allegri said. "And today we conceded two goals after we lost the ball.

Napoli moved provisionally seventh with their second win of the season.

"It was a special match," Higuain said. "We know what this match means for this city. We deserved it, we can do better but this is okay. We hope this match is the turning point, we hope to find continuity now and go on like this."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Call me mad...'

http://www.football-italia.net/73538/allegri-call-me-mad?

Sep 27, 2015

Max Allegri believes Juventus can emerge stronger from their current crisis after defeat at Napoli. “It’s not a funeral.”

The Bianconeri were beaten 2-1 at the Stadio San Paolo last night, leaving them with only five points from six Serie A games.

“I expect people think I’m mad for saying it, but I am not worried and actually compared to other matches I feel more relaxed than usual,” the Coach told reporters.

“Do I feel in the firing line? I’m a Coach, so I am always in the firing line. Now I have to work on what is best for Juve. Last year we did well, this time there are a few difficulties, but we must work to overcome them.

“What is this team lacking? Points. Everyone sees things their own way and I saw a good performance. The lads didn’t do badly.

“In football there are moments of difficulty, I don’t want to see faces that look like we’re at a funeral. These moments must be faced and overcome.

“People acted as if we were in crisis because we conceded a last-second corner against Frosinone, ignoring the performance that came before it. We will climb back up.

“Tomorrow Sami Khedira should be back training with the squad.”

[Socrates 8386]

Understanding the Mistakes Massimiliano Allegri
Made in 1st Part of Season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578336-understanding-the-mistakes-massimiliano-allegri-made-in-first-part-of-season?

Oct 14, 2015

There is little doubt that the 2015/16 campaign did not begin well for Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions mounting a poor defence of the title they won so comfortably last season. Indeed, having finished a staggering 17 points ahead of their closest challengers, it was somewhat odd to see the Bianconeri struggling.

Losing three times in their opening six matches, coach Massimiliano Allegri had already overseen as many league defeats this term as he did in the whole of his first year with the club. Despite the drastic overhaul of the playing squad, he came under much criticism and scrutiny, as his historic achievements were quickly forgotten.

"Allegri is lost: We cannot go on like this!" proclaimed TuttoSport the morning after the most recent of those losses (h/t Football Italia), the Turin-based newspaper believing the coach had steered his team off course as they fell to an impressive Napoli.

While questioning the ability of the man who led Juventus to only the third league and cup double in the club's history—not to mention a first Champions League final in over a decade—is clearly hyperbolic, Allegri was not blameless.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
5 - Max Allegri is the fifth Italian manager to reach the Champions League Final after Capello, Lippi, Ancelotti and Di Matteo.

Early in the season, with his options limited by a mounting injury list, he opted to field Simone Padoin in the centre of his three-man midfield. While a willing servant and hard-working player, the limitations of the former Atalanta man were exposed in that role, with both Udinese and AS Roma taking advantage.

Perhaps fielding him was an attempt to shield younger players such as Paul Pogba and Stefano Sturaro from criticism, knowing that the veteran midfielder could handle the criticism that came his way.

Clearly, Allegri had not asked him to be the playmaker, but the 31-year-old failed to protect the defence, and the coach soon found an alternative. Indeed, once the likes of Hernanes and Mario Lemina arrived, Padoin found himself excluded from the Champions League squad, per the club's official website.

During the game at the San Paolo—which Napoli emphatically won despite the 2-1 scoreline—Juan Cuadrado was omitted from the starting XI, which should perhaps be counted as another error by the coach.

It is, of course, impossible to know the health and fitness of the Colombian, but without him, the Bianconeri lacked an incisive attacking edge. The former Fiorentina and Chelsea man has been a constant threat since moving back to Serie A, and benching him against the Partenopei undoubtedly hurt Juventus.

"We want to leave alibis aside, but certainly the calendar is packed, and with so many injuries, we're never able to field the same XI," director general Beppe Marotta told Sports Mediaset before that outing (h/t Football Italia). "The coach is put in a difficult position and cannot choose his favoured lineup."

Thankfully, that encounter appears to have been something of a nadir for the team, who have since experienced a dramatic upturn in both fortune and performances. With his squad finally returning to full health, Allegri was able to name an unchanged side for meetings with Sevilla then Bologna, and the results speak for themselves.

A 2-0 win over the Spanish side was followed by a 3-1 victory over the Felsinei, the coach using a fluid 4-3-3 system that negated the fact both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres were unavailable. They must now look to continue that positive form, as Allegri himself noted in a recent interview with Sky Sport Italia as he looked ahead to this weekend's meeting with bitter rivals Inter at San Siro.

"To win the Scudetto, we need consistent results, which is something we've struggled with so far this season in Serie A," he said, per Football Italia.

With the lessons learned from those early errors, three points against the Nerazzurri would represent progress and show that Max Allegri and Juventus are far from "lost."

[Socrates 8386]

Luis Enrique vies with Allegri
for Coach of the Year

The Spaniard is the favourite to win the award in 2015 after leading Barcelona to the treble,
although he faces strong competition from his Juventus counterpart.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2015/10/20/16490932/-?

Oct 20, 2015

Last season's Champions League final opponents Luis Enrique and Massimiliano Allegri have been named on the 10-man shortlist for the 2015 Fifa World Coach of the Year award.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique guided Barcelona to Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey glory in his first season in charge at Camp Nou, and appears to be the favourite to claim the individual award following his side's remarkable treble.

Allegri could be the Spaniard's closest rival after winning the Serie A and Coppa Italia double with Juventus, while also making the Champions League final in what was his first campaign at the helm of the Bianconeri .

The duo face competition from Paris Saint-Germain's Laurent Blanc after he guided the Parc des Princes side to four domestic trophies, while Chile trainer Jorge Sampaoli is a candidate courtesy of his team's Copa America win - the first in the nation's history.

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho have made the list after winning the Bundesliga and the Premier League respectively.

Sevilla's Unai Emery has been rewarded with a place on the short list as well following his side's victorious Europa League campaign, in which the Andalucians successfully defended their crown.

Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger complete the shortlist.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri, Ancelotti up for award

http://www.football-italia.net/74560/allegri-ancelotti-award?

Oct 20, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri and former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti have been nominated for the FIFA World Coach of the Year award.

The ten-man shortlist was announced earlier today, with the winner due to be announced at a gala in Zurich on 11 January 2016.

Allegri has been shortlisted after a stunning debut season with the Bianconeri in which he won a league and cup double in Italy and took his side to the final of the Champions League.

Ancelotti left his post as Real Madrid Coach over the summer, having led them to their tenth Champions League title in 2014.

 

Fifa World Coach of the Year for Men's Football shortlist

Massimiliano Allegri (Italy/Juventus), Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid), Laurent Blanc (France/Paris Saint-Germain), Unai Emery (Spain/Sevilla FC), Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Bayern Munich), Luis Enrique (Spain/FC Barcelona), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Chelsea), Jorge Sampaoli (Argentina/Chilean national team), Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico Madrid), Arsene Wenger (France/Arsenal).

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus must be challenging for title by March

The trainer insists his side will still finish amongst the top candidates
for the Scudetto, and backs Paulo Dybala to fire them back into contention.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/10/24/16644142/-?

Oct 24, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri is confident that Juventus will be challenging for the Serie A title this season, although he conceded it would take them till March to be around the top places.

The Turin side have endured a tough start to the 2015-16 season, despite winning the domestic double and reaching the Champions League final in Allegri's first campaign at the helm.

Juve president Andrea Agnelli has insisted that the losses of Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo are not an acceptable excuse for the club's current Serie A position of 15th.

The coach agreed with the comments, but cautioned that the turnaround would be gradual and that his troops would be taking it one game at a time.

"As I've already said, we ought to have more points right now, regardless of the changes to the squad," Allegri told reporters on Saturday. "I agree with the president. Juventus should not be in this position.

"At Christmas we need to be better placed in the league, we cannot think of fighting back that quickly.

"Then, around March, we must be in and around the front-runners.

"We need to secure a second consecutive home win in Serie A to follow up our last result [a 3-1 victory over Bologna].

"We have already found good defensive solidity in the latest matches, now we have to improve in attack."

Allegri also defended strikers Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic from criticism, insisting the former would develop into a fine player despite constantly being dropped to the bench, and defending the latter's impact.

"Dybala is a player with excellent qualities, and will have a great future," the trainer concluded. "He will be the future, and also the present, of Juventus.

"So far, Mandzukic has not played much in the league, but he has had a good scoring record in important games against Manchester City and Lazio in the Supercoppa," Allegri added.

"He has been injured but has done work with the team."

[Socrates 8386]

Paulo Dybala coming along slowly at Juventus,
but does Allegri know best?

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2685838/paulo-dybala-eased-into-life-at-juventus-by-allegri?

Oct 28, 2015

"Panchina d'Oro" means "Golden Bench" in Italian; it's the name of Italy's Coach of the Year award. Massimiliano Allegri has won it once, edging Jose Mourinho six years ago. He might yet win it again after taking Juventus so close to the treble last season. "Panchina d'Oro" was also the headline for Tuttosport's front page on Friday morning, but this time, it had an altogether different meaning.

The Turin paper was using it to allude to Allegri's much-discussed decision to leave Juventus' most expensive summer signing, €32 million striker Paulo Dybala, out of the starting lineup in the Derby d'Italia and then against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Champions League.

Both games ended 0-0 ,and to exacerbate things, on each occasion the first change Allegri made wasn't to bring on Dybala. In fact, against Gladbach it was the last. "Do you see Dybala or not, Allegri?" asked La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. He should reach for his occhiali ("pair of glasses") -- that's what a 0-0 draw is sometimes called in Italy, and if Dybala had gotten more game time, the papers argued, Juventus wouldn't have had to watch any back-to-back.

The context here is important. Juventus found themselves in 14th place in Serie A, a position that president Andrea Agnelli called "unacceptable" at the annual shareholders' meeting on Friday. He would later have to clarify that this applied to everyone "from the president to the kit man" and wasn't to be construed as a warning aimed solely at Allegri. Speaking beside Agnelli, general manager Beppe Marotta explained that even after such a "massive turnover" of players in the summer, the squad they assembled remains "competitive" and has the "obligation to win."

After all, while Juventus lost Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in the recent transfer window, they still invested €127m in the team. If you include the performance-related add-ons in the deal with Palermo for Dybala, almost €80m of that was on striking talent.

Disappointingly, there wasn't an instant return. One of the reasons for Juve's position in the table was their struggles in front of goal: they had scored only nine goals in eight league games, 12th-best in Serie A. The Old Lady had seen little bang for her buck, and the sense was that it didn't have to be this way.

Allegri had left €32m worth of talent out of his starting lineup against Lazio in the Italian Super Cup, then against Udinese, Man City, Frosinone, Inter and Gladbach. That Dybala was their top scorer (four goals) and had offered a bright side in defeats away to Roma and Napoli, when a goal in one and an assist in the other threatened to get his team back into those games, didn't seem to matter. Up until then, Dybala had started and finished only three of Juve's 12 games. Allegri was made out to be someone who goes and buys a Ferrari but is too afraid to take it out for a spin just in case the engine overheats, the bodywork gets scratched or someone dents it.

Not for the first time this season, Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini, who likes to present his relationship with Dybala as that between a father and son, had some scathing words for Juventus, and Allegri in particular. He mused that had Dybala gone to Inter or Milan, he wouldn't have been treated this way.

"The coaches of today, and Allegri is no exception, prefer workers who follow their orders," Zamparini told Radio Sportiva. "But Paulo cannot be placed in a cage. He needs freedom to be decisive. Do you see Messi going to pick up the ball in midfield at Barcelona? No, because they play for him, to free his inspiration." Juventus didn't, Zamparini argued.

They used him like a "third division anchor man," he said, challenging listeners to watch Dybala show for a pass and not get it from a teammate. "It reminds me of what happened to Amauri with Pavel Nedved and Alessandro Del Piero [when he joined Juventus for €22.8m in May, 2008]. They didn't pass him the ball, and he took the blame [as results went awry]."

Regrettably, a storm had been whipped up around Dybala. Allegri felt both had been "put on trial" by the media, and when the time for his press conference came around on Saturday, it had the atmosphere of a showdown.

"Now I get to talk," Allegri said as he began to set the record straight. The reporting, he said, had been inexact. Of all Juventus' strikers, Allegri argued, Dybala had played the most minutes, 422. It was therefore a false debate, although as La Stampa countered, if you looked at Dybala's average minutes per match, 51.4, he had featured less than Mario Mandzukic (62) and Morata (58.6), both of whom had spent time on the sidelines with muscle injuries.

Allegri explained that he is the first to accept criticism when it is justified, but that on this occasion, it was not fair. His track record of handling young talent should also give him the benefit of the doubt.

He introduced Morata gradually last season, and the Spaniard scored 12 goals after Christmas, including decisive strikes in the round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final of the Champions League. Morata finished strong, finding the net in four of his last five games. Meanwhile as he learned the ropes and settled in, however, Juventus had Tevez to take care of business. They do not have the same luxury this season, hence the pressure on Allegri to make Dybala play. His price tag has only added to it, too. "It's not my problem he cost €40m," Allegri bristled.

Dybala started and finished Sunday's game against Atalanta at the J Stadium. He was Man of the Match; it was his most accomplished in a Juventus shirt to date. He scored a goal reminiscent of Tevez's away to Dortmund, set up Mandzukic for the clincher, won a penalty and was generous enough to even allow Paul Pogba to take and miss it. Dybala was everywhere and did everything. La Stampa even wondered if he had cleaned the dressing room afterward.

In the absence of Juan Cuadrado's absence, Juventus' main creative spark this season, Dybala catalysed his side's play. His performance drew comparison with Tevez, who incidentally he had replaced upon making his debut for Argentina against Paraguay the previous week.

"I played like Tevez, you say? Well, OK, almost as a trequartista, between the lines. But the truth is that I have been studying him for a year. I watched almost all of his games last season, and when we trained together with the national team, I try to take as much as possible from him." It's a different role to the one Dybala had at Palermo, and his re-education is one of the reasons why Allegri is being patient with him.

"[At Palermo] I played as a centre-forward," he explained in the mixed zone. "I had [Franco] Vazquez behind me who gave me the ball. Here I do what the coach asks." And that's to be a second striker, the link between the midfield and attack -- a "nine and a half."

"Never again without [Dybala]," Tuttosport demanded on Monday. There was an "I told you so" feel to the Turin daily's coverage. They clearly felt vindicated in campaigning for him to play -- "Maybe those who wanted him to play weren't wrong?"

But here's a thought: What if Dybala shined precisely because of the way Allegri had handled him, resting "la Joya" against Inter and Gladbach purposefully with this game in mind, carefully selecting the right moments and opponents for him?

Contrary to what giornalaccio rosa inferred after the Gladbach game, Allegri does see Dybala; in fact, he sees a lot more of him than we do. He sees him in training. He sees that he is still only 21 and doesn't need burdening with pressure. He recognises that there is a big difference between playing for Palermo and for Juventus in both the style and the substance expected. He appreciates that Dybala not only needs to learn a new position and from his mistakes -- like giving the ball away against Frosinone that led to the equaliser -- but also to develop an understanding with his new teammates and to bulk up a bit and put on some muscle. "He suffers the physical contact a little," Allegri admitted.

In a results business -- the too much, too soon business -- that is responsible coaching, and Allegri deserves credit for his restraint and for not letting Juventus' injuries, bad start to the season or media pressure influence his mentorship of "O Picciruddu" ("The Kid," as Dybala was known in Sicily).

Pogba has called Juventus a "University of Football." Dybala is receiving an Ivy League education.

[Socrates 8386]

Marotta Protects Juventus Coach From Job Scrutiny

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/marotta-protects-juventus-coach-from-job-scrutiny/?

Nov 1, 2015

Prior to Juventus’ 2-1 derby win over Torino, director Beppe Marotta defended coach Massimiliano Allegri, and reassured everyone that his position in Turin was safe.

Even after yesterday’s victory, the defending Italian Champions find themselves languishing in 10th place in the Serie A table, 9 points behind current-leaders Fiorentina.

“There is no debate about the quality of our squad, nor the coach,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium prior to the game.

“Allegri is not up for debate.

“It’s part of our football culture in Italy to change coaches when there is a dramatic situation, but we absolutely haven’t reached that point,” the director added.

“We just need to get back to winning, we are dealing with professionals who have won four consecutive Scudetti, we need to rediscover that sense of pride, that perhaps has been lost.

Marotta then said that the new players are not to be blamed for the Bianconeri’s current difficulties, but echoed prior statements made by defender Patrice Evra, suggesting they need to understand the importance of playing for Juventus.

“Revamping the squad must not become an alibi, it’s part of a longer-term project, but not everyone has understood what it means to play for Juve,” he concluded

[Socrates 8386]

Max Allegri praises Juventus' determination
to the very end in derby win over Torino

Juve leave it late for the second year running.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/1/9653568/max-allegri-praises-juvenuts-determination-to-the-very-end-in-derby-win

Nov 1, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was one very relieved man at the end of Saturday's Derby della Mole against Torino.

A late, late goal from Juan Cuadrado sealed the three points and rescued the team from further ignominy at home.

Torino will feel hard done by by the result as they had often showed more attacking initiative than the hosts, but such is the game.

The crosstown visitors are yet to pick up a point at the Juventus Stadium after Andrea Pirlo had snatched victory with another injury time goal last season too.

"It was a balanced derby decided by that late chance, but you need determination to the very end in order to get a result like this.

"We had 12 points after 10 rounds, so tension was only natural. The team reacted well, obviously we have to improve a lot, but this was a small step forward. Before the defeat to Sassuolo, we had also had three good games in a row.

"This represents three important points, a third consecutive victory at home and a step forward in the table. Now we have to focus on Tuesday and a decisive Champions League game with Borussia Monchengladbach."

There was some more injury news for Juventus though, as midfielder Sami Khedira limped off in the first few minutes of the game with what appeared to be a calf injury. Allegri later confirmed he was carrying a knock.

"Khedira was a risk before the game, he told me that he felt good and was ready to play. We’ll see if he can play midweek, but I doubt it.

"I started with Hernanes as a trequartista and I knew it could be tricky because Torino are so clammed up without the ball.

"After Khedira went off, the team took more control of the game and it was an entertaining game. Paulo Dybala would move over and Pogba come forward into his space.

"At the moment we are playing every three days, there’s no time for players to recover, so we have to focus on guarantees and solidity. It might lose something in entertainment, but it’s necessary right now."

Allegri was also asked about his thoughts on Juve starting to climb up the table (Inter would beat Roma later to go top, nine points clear of the Bianconeri).

"At the moment we are far away. We had three good games, fell at Sassuolo unexpectedly and now enjoy this victory."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri’s Tactical Nous The Saviour
For Juventus In Derby Triumph

Juventus saw off their Turin rivals Torino 2-1 on round 11 of Serie A action in the season’s first Derby
Della Mole, Ryan Wrenn takes a loot at why the Bianconeri owe a lot to coach Massimiliano Allegri for the result.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/allegris-tactical-nous-the-saviour-for-juventus-in-derby-triumph/?

Nov 2, 2015

When Sami Khedira suffered a strained calf barely ten minutes into the Derby Della Mole between Juventus and Torino on Saturday, Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri could have made the safe choice.

Indeed, most coaches in his situation would have preferred a like-for-like switch. Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina were both on the bench and perfectly capable of playing in Khedira’s box-to-box midfielder role. Either of them would have been the more practical option for filling the void left by the German’s departure.

Instead, Allegri took advantage of what should have been a tough situation and changed the look of his Juventus team.

To start the match he had the team laid out in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala sitting up top and Hernanes just behind them in a creative role.

In his time on the pitch, Khedira operated just ahead of Claudio Marchisio in central midfield, in theory, meant to trade runs forward with Paul Pogba.

To his considerable credit, Allegri realized early on that he’d failed to find neither his team’s best shape nor his best eleven.

It is difficult to derive much meaning from ten minutes of football, but in the opening stages against Torino it was clear that Juventus would struggle to assert itself if they continued to play as they were.

Torino fielded a familiar tactical strategy, one they had used in each of their previous ten Serie A matches; a 3-5-2 built around pressing high up the pitch and quick transitions.

Allegri set out to counter that style by crowding the midfield and thus making it difficult for Torino to play through the center of the pitch.

In the opening minutes of play, most of the passes Torino executed came within their own third, as the three centre-backs rotated the ball back and forth among themselves as almost every available route to midfield was blocked by a Juventus player.

The problem was Torino’s shape, specifically when Juventus were in possession. Morata and Dybala paired up reasonably well going forward, but in the end each and every one of their attacks was always going to have to deal with the fact that Torino’s defence would have an extra man waiting to cut off outlet passes and frustrate link-up play.

Juventus were playing right into Torino’s plans by fielding a narrow attack tipped by two strikers.

So when Khedira’s calf gave way, Allegri jumped at the opportunity fate had afforded. Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina stayed on the bench and instead Juan Cuadrado came into the game.

The on-loan Chelsea winger perched himself wide on the right while Morata shifted left, leaving Dybala as the sole striker. Hernanes dropped deeper into the midfield, taking over Marchisio’s dynamic role as the Italian moved up to fill Khedira’s half of the pivot with Pogba. Juventus were now playing in a 4-3-3.

Cuadrado himself proved to be the most decisive result of this switch. He assisted Pogba’s stunning opener eight minutes after he came on and then scored in the last minute of the match to give Juventus a 2-1 win over their local rivals.

There was more than Cuadrado’s individual genius going on here, however.

Prior to Khedira’s injury, the game was even. Juventus and Torino were level at about 60 passes each and neither had mustered a shot.

In the ten minutes following Khedira’s departure, Juventus doubled the number of passes Torino managed and had two shots on goal, one of which was Pogba’s stunning opener.

Breaking any game down into ten-minute increments will produce this kind of lopsided story. On Saturday though, Juventus didn’t let up.

Per WhoScored.com, by the final whistle they had managed 60% possession, outpassed Torino 541 to 356, outshot them 17-10 and won the game to secure an invaluable three points.

Cuadrado might have carved his name into this match, but the victory came from Allegri’s recognition that Juventus needed more in their attacking third.

Bringing Cuadrado in and moving Morata wide left stretched Torino’s three-man defence, leaving holes through which Juventus’ attack could more easily manoeuvre.

Moreover, it left three men nominally marking one central striker – even though Pogba usually found himself forward too – meaning that at any given time one or more of those Torino defenders were superfluous.

Were Torino coach Giampiero Ventura particularly brave, he might have countered Cuadrado’s introduction with a substitute of his own, bringing off one of the centre-backs in favor of an additional midfielder to break through Juventus’ lockdown.

As it stood, however, Torino persisted and were regularly caught out as a result. Their own offense continued to stutter as Juventus’ only grew stronger.

After Khedira’ substitution, Juventus managed 102 passes in Torino’s third. Il Toro managed a mere 42 such passes against Juventus.

The scoreline might suggest a closer game, one in which Cuadrado was the savior, but in reality this was a masterclass in pragmatism from Allegri.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri unsure how far Juventus can go in Champions League

The Bianconeri boss admits he is uncertain about how far his side
can progress in the Champions League as they close in on the knockout stages.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/11/02/16929172/-?

Nov 2, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes it is difficult to say what his side can achieve in the Champions League this season despite their current position at the top of Group D.

Allegri's men sit at the summit of the group with seven points from three games going into Tuesday's clash with Borussia Monchengladbach, who held Juve to a 0-0 draw in Turin last month.

The Bianconeri's good form in Europe has been in stark contrast to their performances in Serie A, where Juve find themselves languishing in 10th place, nine points behind leaders Fiorentina and second-placed Inter.

Last season's Champions League runners-up will qualify for the knockout round if they overcome Gladbach at Borussia-Park and Manchester City beat Sevilla in Spain.

"When you play in the Champions League, it's normal that the ultimate goal is the maximum, and the maximum is to win it," Allegri said.

"You have to find the best physical and mental condition in March, and above all have everyone available. Last year I think our strength was that we arrived in excellent physical condition, at an excellent time of the season.

"It's difficult to say [how far Juventus can go] let's take it one step at a time, since we can't win two games [in a row] in the league we're looking to get through in the Champions League.

"It's [the group] not done yet, because it's certainly not easy, certainly not, because there are three games still to play and there are many points at stake.

"So it's still an open group."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Criticism part of football’

http://www.football-italia.net/75220/allegri-%E2%80%98criticism-part-football%E2%80%99?

Nov 2, 2015

Juventus Coach Max Allegri insists he’s not bothered by criticism - “it’s part of football.”

The Bianconeri are 10th in Serie A after 11 games, with the tactician being criticised after four defeats already this term.

“I’m saying nothing, it’s part of football,” Allegri told Mediaset.

“When you win you’re good, when you lose… we’ve been criticised because we’ve not been getting results.

“People don’t look at how we’ve lost, but at the results, that’s what counts. I’m always calm, I’m not going to change my thinking because of a week or a month.

“Everyone has quality, and we have to prove it. The team hasn’t become poor, we need cohesion, we’re missing a piece, and we must grow with so many players, some of them under 23.

“We’ve had issues with our start, and with luck a little bit, like in the derby [against Torino] where we were unlucky like in previous games in conceding from the first shot.”

[Socrates 8386]

Has Allegri’s Time Come To An End?

Oscar La Gambina questions whether the Bianconeri hierarchy must
consider the exit door for an underperforming Massimiliano Allegri.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-club-focus-has-allegris-time-come-to-an-end/?

Nov 4, 2015

If there was one word to describe Juventus 2015/16 Serie A season so far, it would be ‘rollercoaster’; that also sufficiently defines these Club Focus features since August.

Demonstrated perfectly in the seven days since we talked of the Bianconeri’s attacking prowess last week, they suffered yet another shock 1-0 defeat to surprise Serie A package Sassuolo, before claiming a huge 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole and then finally obtaining a point in the Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach, which they have Gianluigi Buffon to thank after he made a series of outstanding saves to keep the match at 1-1.

It is difficult to tell whether one game, one tactical decision or a single player will kick-start the season for good, just look at these articles over the past 11 weeks to prove it.

However, with Paul Pogba grabbing yet another goal and Juan Cuadrado’s first and possibly most vital of the season in the 93rd minute against the Granata, there may still be reason to be optimistic for Bianconeri fans.

However, talk of positivity has arisen once before, so it is probably best to avoid this during a discussion of a team stuck on a rollercoaster.

How about a bold question instead; Should coach Massimiliano Allegri be sacked?

Following the Derby win it might seem an inappropriate thing to ask, but it was a thought that surely crept into many a mind after the demoralising Sassuolo loss.

Allegri’s history with clubs supports the view that he should perhaps be relieved of his duties. At AC Milan, he won the league title in his first season and a Supercoppa Italiana in his second. Following this, he was unable to secure another Scudetto, finishing in second and third place simultaneously.

He was then fired in January 2014.

During his time at Sassuolo, he helped them gain promotion to Serie B for the first time in their history and then left, while he finished an impressive ninth in Serie A with Cagliari before being surprisingly sacked, despite keeping the side up the following campaign.

With success comes disappointment soon afterwards for the 48-year-old it seems, and so it would be no strange event if he was to depart La Vecchia Signora.

Plus, whatever his CV looks like, their current position of 12th is simply not good enough for the reigning Italian champions. Fourth or fifth could maybe just be accepted for the moment as it would mean European football, but mid-table is a poor place for a club as big as Juventus to be in.

Perhaps the only thing that is currently keeping him in the job, is their recent success in the lucrative Champions League.

The tournament is for only the best of Europe’s top clubs and it can be the difference between keeping a job and getting the sack for a coach, but the league still has to be prioritised.

Considering their domestic form, the possibility of European football is currently a long way off, and should this continue, Allegri could soon be facing the exit door.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus Coach Unsure Of Own Tactics

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-coach-unsure-of-own-tactics/?

Nov 12, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri is keen to shake off Juventus’ poor start to the season and get back on track, though he has admitted he is unsure of the tactics he has used thus far.

The Italian has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as his side have failed to demonstrate the same muscle as previous years, and has now taken time out to speak of this season’s struggle with the reigning Italian champions.

In an interview to English newspaper The Independant, Allegri explained his tactical decision to change formations this season, though he conceded that he doesn’t quite know what to call his current set up.

“We have worked with a number of systems and styles of play so far,” said Allegri.

“In order to take the team forward we knew it was time to change.

“Though I don’t know what to call it.

“But 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 are just numbers on a page, what matters is the way they are applied.

“Look at [bayern Munich coach] Josep Guardiola.

“Just when you think you have the advantage, he changes everything in the middle of the game and countering that is so difficult.”

Such a shift in tactics has led many to criticise the former AC Milan and Cagliari coach, though 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi recently came to the tactician’s side, praising him for his success so far.

“It’s a very significant compliment from a coach who did some extraordinary things,” responded Allegri.

“Of course it’s important to recognise the coach’s work.

“But the players deserve the credit because without them delivering on the pitch we would not have accomplished anything.”