President Andrea Agnelli assures Andrea Pirlo’s tenure was not ‘a failure’ and the return of Max Allegri doesn’t mean Juventus ‘regret’ firing him, while explaining Fabio Paratici’s departure.
The Bianconeri are transforming their hierarchy this summer, with the exit of Paratici and coach Pirlo, bringing back Allegri two years after he was fired.
“I want to thank Andrea and his whole staff,” said Agnelli in his joint press conference with Paratici.
“If I have to analyse the season and read it was a failure for Juve, well… if in 10 years the biggest failure is winning two trophies and qualifying for the Champions League, then I’ll happily take that standard.
“What we certainly must do after this year is for everyone to learn from their mistakes. We didn’t always find the response wanted to amid difficult moments.”
Agnelli was reportedly not happy with the idea of firing Allegri in 2019, following the instincts of Paratici and Pavel Nedved to bring in first Maurizio Sarri and then Pirlo.
“I want to underline the determination, hunger and desire to dive back in of Allegri and his staff. It’s a long-term project, the plans for growth continue.
“Maintaining that today’s choice is proof that we regret the decision made two years ago is simply untrue. At that moment, it was the right decision. At this moment, it is the right decision. They are not linked.
“I can also say that the decision to bring back Allegri was not linked with Paratici’s departure. I know them both well, they are great professionals, and if we had decided to work together, they would’ve focused only on winning.”
Paratici arrived 11 years ago as the right-hand man to Beppe Marotta, then pushing his mentor out to become director of sport and chief football officer.
His contract was not renewed when it approached the expiry of June 30.
“We look back from Gigi Delneri to Pirlo, with nine Serie A titles, five Coppa Italia trophies, two Champions League Finals. I think of the Under-23 team, the Juventus Women who won four Scudetti, two Coppa Italia editions and two Supercups. These were all achieved under Fabio’s leadership.
“I think of the players who came through under his tenure, such as Carlos Tevez, Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo. My only regret looking back is Robin van Persie, as we had dinner at my house and had visited him a few weeks earlier.
“I think Paratici arrived here as a lad and left as a man, above all as a winner. We met up in my office for a long chat at the end of the season and agreed it was a natural moment to close this chapter and open up another.
“On my behalf and all of Juventus, I say: thank you. Thank you, Fabio, for these fantastic years. Now don’t ever call me at 7.30am again.”