Several key figures at Juventus are reportedly unhappy with manager Massimiliano Allegri after he took part in what is described as an ‘unauthorised interview’, according to reports.
Allegri and his side have struggled in Serie A so far this season. They have recorded two wins and four draws in six games, and sit eighth in the league table. Juve are six points behind surprise leaders, Udinese, although do have a game in hand.
Last weekend, they drew 2-2 with Salernitana, in a match that saw four red cards and plenty of added time controversy. Allegri was one of the four to be sent off, and will not be on the touchline for today’s clash against newly-promoted Monza.
Before the game, the Italian completed his usual pre-match media duties. However, he reportedly then gave an interview to Correire dello Serra. Apparently, it has not gone down well with the Juventus hierarchy.
What did Allegri say?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (quotes via Football Italia), Allegri mostly blamed himself for Juventus’ start to the season, but also namedropped several players into the conversation.
He said: “I’m very sorry for this situation, and I often ask myself if I have made mistakes.
“The first answer that comes to mind is that Juve had been thought of in another way. With Rabiot-Paredes-Pogba in midfield, plus Locatelli as the first substitute. Di Maria and Chiesa on the wings, Vlahovic in the middle.
“The Juve of now is virtual. I know we lack someone who can invent in the last 30 minutes, but we signed Pogba and Di Maria for this. And we are developing [Fabio] Miretti, the most suitable in that role among those there. But he’s not Pogba. He’s only 19.
“We have problems pushing on the wings. I can no longer ask players who have been running all their lives to continue doing so up the whole wing. If I ask Cuadrado to be a winger, he can still do it very well. But I can no longer ask him to always do two roles.”
In addition, he later admitted: “Something is missing. We’re stopping soon. That’s my job, we’re working on it every day. Many mistakes, however, are technical.”
Juventus reportedly unhappy with Allegri
Gazzetta dello Sport also claim that a number of players were surprised by Allegri’s comments, as he reportedly referred to technical mistakes from individual players. In addition, some of the players “felt diminished” by what he said.
Gazzetta add that some members of the Juventus hierarchy are unhappy with what is being described as an ‘unauthorised interview’ in some sections of the Italian press. As a result, Allegri could be fined. It is also reported that the club could have “gladly done without [the interview] in a moment like this”.
The Juventus manager, and his players, will hope to end the week on a positive note with a victory when they take on Monza on Sunday afternoon.
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