Max Allegri insists he wants to remain at Juventus ‘100 per cent, but after that, it’s not up to me to decide,’ just as his team cannot control how many Serie A points they are docked.
The trip to Empoli kicks off on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
It has been a chaotic season for the Bianconeri, who crashed out of the Europa League semi-final with a 2-1 extra time defeat to Sevilla on Thursday evening.
This is the second consecutive campaign ending empty-handed and with a 12-point penalty expected tomorrow from the Federal Court of Appeal, that could mean missing out on European qualification too.
“We must have the spirit of a team that is reacting against the Europa League elimination,” said Allegri in today’s press conference.
“We have to defend second place and that could be an important result, seeing as Juventus finished fourth in the last two years. Mathematically, we need three points to guarantee a top four finish, then for the rest, there’s not much we can do about it. Psychologically, we’re accustomed to everything now, we’ve been mentally strong all year and must continue.”
The slump to Sevilla has raised serious questions over Allegri’s future at Juventus, especially as the results are also met with a largely negative and heavily-criticised style of football.
“I already spoke to the club owners and expressed my thoughts, but talking about the future now has no sense, because there are important games coming up. I have a two-year contract and as far as my choice is concerned, I will 100 per cent remain. After that, it’s not up to me to decide.
“I can only speak as to what my choice is, I don’t know what is in the minds of others. The directors will make their evaluations, we must continue working the way we always have done.”
Allegri received praise from CFO Francesco Calvo for making this season ‘seem normal’ when Juve were docked 15 points, had them returned and now expect to have more removed again.
“When people say I am a corporate figure, that is a compliment. A coach does not just have a role on the field, you are also responsible for the sporting area and along with the club must do your best on and off the pitch.
“I feel the club has faith in me. I am disappointed with the Europa League and Coppa Italia, but we are temporarily second in the table and only Napoli are above us, despite everything. Not only did we reach the Europa League semi-finals, but we went out after an excellent performance. I know, results are what matter in football. The club will make its evaluations in a relaxed atmosphere.”
As for tomorrow’s trip to Empoli, Allegri confirms there will be changes after the extra time strain in Seville on Thursday.
“Dusan Vlahovic had a bit of a fever yesterday, Adrien Rabiot is not in good shape, but we have the players like Fabio Miretti, Moise Kean, Arkadiusz Milik and Filip Kostic who didn’t play the whole game.”
Staying is not up to you but coaching was and you blew it ..your time is long gone