Juventus centre back Danilo weighed in on the strengths of Massimiliano Allegri, Paul Pogba’s difficult position and what Federico Chiesa should learn from Phil Foden.
Things have not been simple in Turin in recent weeks, starting with Leonardo Bonucci, who has decided to launch legal action against the club following the way he was unceremoniously removed from the squad by Massimiliano Allegri.
Adding to this is the Paul Pogba case. The Frenchman tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone following Juventus’ recent win over Udinese, and he could be handed a multi-year ban as punishment.
Speaking on pages two and three of today’s Corriere dello Sport, Danilo first compared Allegri to Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.
“Guardiola and Allegri are top on an equal level for me. Pep is for a more positional football, even with him I played in more roles. On the right, in the centre, on the left, in the middle of the pitch.
“From the team he demands control of the game at all times, he gives precise indications, he only concedes some freedom to the attackers. I’m a midfielder lent to defence, originally I was one.
“I share a lot of things with Max, he’s loyal, straightforward, speaks few words, and he also knows how to backtrack. Ours is a relationship so frank that it verges on complicity.
“He tells you: if we can get to the goal with three passes, why do we have to do fifty? Allegri wants to win above all. If you don’t win in football, you don’t enjoy yourself. He’s practical, concrete.
“If I’ve reached these levels, I owe it to the last two years with him. He insists a lot on the mental aspect, on freedom of expression while respecting certain tactical codes, and he focuses on movements…
“I too try every day to pass on to my teammates what are the foundations of a winning mentality.”
The 32-year-old Brazilian defender then reflected on Andrea Pirlo’s single season in charge of the Bianconeri.
“With Andrea I lived a formative season, he was very important for me. He made me grow by giving me a role that was many roles and teaching me to always find the right position in relation to the various moments of the match.”
He weighed in on Pogba’s positive doping test and subsequent suspension.
“I’m sorry for what is happening to Paul. I had seen him much more present, with the right mentality. I’ve always been close to him, many times I’ve invited him not to give up, to push and push further.
“I’m not giving up on him now… I must say that here at Juve I didn’t miss anything, after six months COVID, then the management problems, now Paul’s troubles. I was hoping for a more straightforward season.”
Danilo also discussed Bonucci’s decision to take legal action against Juventus.
“I want the decision to stop to be mine and mine alone, I hope I can do it as much with the club as with the national team.
“I know that in football other factors can intervene, the unexpected, but I also know that I will do everything I can to be in full control of that moment, anticipating it.”
He gave his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is someone who studies, he doesn’t just focus on technique. He is interested in the mental aspect, in nutrition.
“The final objective is certainly the performance, the care he puts into everything and the preparation is formidable.”
The Brazilian defender commented on the development of Dusan Vlahovic.
“Dusan is still very young, he’s had ups and downs, but it’s part of the right path of growth. He puts a lot of pressure on himself, he has to learn how to handle it.
“If he succeeds, he will become one of the best centre-forwards in Europe.”
He touched on what Chiesa can learn from Manchester City’s Foden.
“Federico is one of the most important talents in Italy, he needs to be pampered. He has great technique, but he must learn to compete at all times.
“I take the example of Foden, another talent, he is one who doesn’t allow himself any breaks, he is always shooting. Federico has to get to his level with his head.”
Finally, Danilo discussed the ongoing fight against racism.
“It is fought with culture, responsibility and clarity. Circles of speech and the indignation of a moment are of no use.
“When last season there was the Lukaku case, I published a post that I still regret. Generic, just banal references, no names. I should have expressed myself differently.”