President Andrea Agnelli broke his silence to admit he feels ‘ashamed’ and must ‘apologise’ to fans after the Champions League defeat to Maccabi Haifa, but Max Allegri ‘will remain the Juventus coach.’
It was the final straw in a so-far pretty much disastrous campaign in both Serie A and Europe, which leaves them bottom of the group and potentially out of the Champions League already.
The calls are now deafening to sack their coach Allegri, but it was President Agnelli who surprisingly went to speak to Sky Sport Italia after the match.
“This is a difficult night in a difficult period. It is one of the most difficult periods and the moment to take responsibility, which is why I am here,” said Agnelli.
“I feel ashamed for what is happening, I am angry, but I also know that football is played with 11 men, you lose and win with 11.”
Inevitably, the patron was asked if Allegri would be fired, but held firm in his beliefs.
“In a situation like this, it’s not about one person. It’s a matter to be dealt with by a whole group. We feel ashamed, we apologise to our fans, because we know they must feel ashamed to walk around at the moment.
“Allegri is the coach of Juventus and he will remain as the coach of Juventus.”
Is it true that the club is refusing to consider axing Allegri because of how much his salary and long-term contract would weigh on their finances?
“No, no, you are completely off track here. It cannot be the fault of the coach if we don’t win a single tackle on the field.
“Juventus have always evaluated situations at the end of the year. I always struggled to consider a dismissal during a season and I continue to believe that.
“This is a group of 80-90 people working here and we must rediscover our spirit, allowing the team to put its qualities onto the pitch.”