Juventus and Massimiliano Allegri: a long countdown towards the final credits
A leagueJuventusMassimiliano Allegri
A success in the last eight games, an embarrassing roadmap that certifies how the coach's fate is increasingly sealed.
For months I have been maintaining that, beyond the political jargon,
Juventus has largely entered the mood of change at the end of the season. Via
Massimiliano Allegri, inside a technician with different characteristics called to develop a new project. To be clear, someone like Thiago Motta, if not Thiago Motta himself.
The problem with this perspective, however, is timing. For weeks, in fact, we have been talking non-stop about the future while snubbing the present. And inevitably, Juve ended up in a damn negative vortex. Be careful, in terms of ranking the Bianconeri are fully in line with the objective to be achieved, but when you bring home just one success in the last excellent matches - well - the alarm bells start to become deafening and distressing.
Thinking that Allegri represents the only problem, however, would be a big mistake. To return to being a true Juve, Juve will have to revisit more situations at the end of this season. Examples: complete the sports area by inserting some figures attributable to Giuntoli; review the squad compatibly with the financial limits to be respected. In short, the current team is worthy of the Champions League and obtaining a top 4-5 finish is by no means a sporting miracle, but at the same time there is an aura of mediocrity that cannot go unnoticed.
THE FAULTS OF ALLEGRI
For a first round of applause, at least in terms of results, the seven points gained in the last eight matches represent a relegation average. Stuff of 0.87 per match, only Sassuolo, Salernitana and Frosinone did worse. Now, beyond the game/non-game theme, which put Allegri in the crosshairs when he won eleven trophies in five seasons and let alone now, it is striking how Max in the last month and a half (ample) has not managed in the slightest to shake the group from the point from a mental-motivational point of view. A much worse sign than the monstrosities recently proposed on the pitch. The team is apathetic, unmotivated and scared. A vertical collapse that allows no replies and which sees the technician as the main responsible.
IMMEDIATE EXEMPTION? NO!
Raise your hand if you are convinced that, by relying on an interim figure, Juve can find the main road again. Personally, I don't even see a credible and expendable profile on the horizon who can take on such an expensive commitment. Now, despite dealing with a dire situation that goes well beyond the concept of crisis, I believe that with the minimum wage - and perhaps some astral blows - the objective can be achieved. Overcoming a doomed Salernitana at home, getting the better of Monza in the last round, trying to dirty up some results here and there. In simple words, everything that should represent the basis of the discussion for the most expensive squad in Serie A. And then, let's face it, Allegri also resembles a sort of lightning rod. Let's imagine a Juve that decides to change immediately and doesn't find the desired shock. Well, who would take the risk of such an impactful choice in a ministerial environment? Nobody. Better to grit your teeth, close with Max and change with the bowls still.
THE ITALIAN CUP DOES NOT MOVE
The feeling is that, even if Allegri were to finish with a title, the scenario would not change. Thinking in such a superficial way would mean having completely lost your compass. If there will be a change in the coach, and for me it will be, it is because Juventus have evidently matured and need a breath of fresh air. All very physiological, even considering how Allegri represents the choice of a management that no longer exists. From the farewell of Andrea Agnelli through Federico Cherubini (with another role and expiring...) and other managers belonging to Amarcord. Cristiano Giuntoli has been given a five-year project and, once the first year of settling in is over, it is reasonable to expect that he will be able to start making a significant impact.
EXIT STRATEGY
Still tied to the last year of his contract, Allegri confirmed that he has not yet discussed the future topic with the club. Textual: “
When the company has decided they will let me know ”. The salary of 7 million net plus bonuses is impactful, especially if placed in context with a red in the balance sheet which as of 30 June 2024 is estimated to be higher than that of 2022-23 (-123.7 million). The possible qualification for the Champions League and access to the Club World Cup, however, make the situation more sustainable. Even more so considering the latest capital increase of 200 million. Ergo, the Old Lady has her back covered and can afford to face the costs of a possible extreme decision. Unless the parties decide to reach a solution in terms of contractual termination. But this is another story, yet to be written.