Massimiliano Allegri insists he has no regrets about his decision to snub the Real Madrid job to return to Juventus.
The Old Lady’s boss faced the media today ahead of Saturday’s Serie A match against Bologna at the Allianz Stadium. The Tuscan tactician was asked his thoughts on Italian football as only one team (Roma) is still involved in European competitions, while the Azzurri have missed out on two consecutive World Cups.
“It seemed that all Italy’s problems had been solved after the Euros, but many factors must be considered. Just think about the incomes of Italian football compared to the Premier League’s,” he said.
“When clubs go out from Europe or the national team don’t qualify for the World Cup, all the problems emerge. But problems don’t come out in a day, they are always there.
“Unfortunately, nobody wants to face them in Italy. We need to take a direction, which may be right or wrong, but we can’t know until we decide. In Italy, we don’t like to do it. I am happy for Roma and sorry for Atalanta. We must try to do more from next season, but there isn’t just one problem.”
Allegri snubbed the Real Madrid job last summer, deciding to return to Juventus, signing a four-year deal. He had previously claimed that he had no regrets about his choice. Today, he was asked whether he had changed his stance following the Merengues’ qualification for the Champions League semifinals.
“Not at all. I am happy to be back here,” he said.
“My 10-year-old son lives here in Turin and this is another reason he decided to return. I wanted to work again with Juventus and make four good years, building something meaningful.
“I have no regrets. I am lucky and I am working at a good level. I’ve taken many satisfactions and I hope more will come together with the club.”
Allegri won 11 trophies during his first five-year spell in Turin between 2014 and 2019. He also reached the Champions League Final twice, but lost to Barcelona (2015) and Real Madrid (2017).
Real will be desperate for him in the future. When they have problems, they always look to Italian coaches. I feel for Ancelotti who’s always given a rough ride there despite always winning. I hope his contract is bulletproof.