Allegri: ‘Juve can celebrate’

Max Allegri wants Juventus to relax and enjoy their success before preparing for the Champions League Final.

The Coach had been insulted, criticised and even saw his car pelted with eggs when replacing Antonio Conte last summer, but has won everyone over.

“It was a wonderful day of celebration, culminating in a great victory,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-1 win over Napoli.

Max Allegri wants Juventus to relax and enjoy their success before preparing for the Champions League Final.

The Coach had been insulted, criticised and even saw his car pelted with eggs when replacing Antonio Conte last summer, but has won everyone over.

“It was a wonderful day of celebration, culminating in a great victory,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-1 win over Napoli.

The squad paraded the Coppa Italia and Serie A trophies around the Juventus Stadium, then will have three days off before preparing for the Champions League Final with Barcelona.

“It was the right way to salute the fans and we are satisfied. The lads proved they want to continue winning and playing good football. We put in a good and intense performance with those who haven’t played as much this season.

“We enjoyed ourselves today, especially in the second half. I had fun too!”

Allegri went from hate figure to fan favourite and received a loud cheer when coming out to collect his winners’ medal.

“At the start scepticism was normal, but the team worked to achieve certain targets and continue winning. I am very happy, as I have a good rapport with the fans, one of mutual respect.

“I always work hard and might not be considered likeable because I don’t express my joy that often, but within me I feel many emotions. It is normal, otherwise life would be dull and monotonous.”

Allegri was asked about his decision to leave behind Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 for a four-man defence.

“I had already considered it for a while and we were coming off some disappointing performances against Genoa, Palermo and Empoli.

“With Olympiacos it seemed to be the right moment to try new trajectories, moving the play through the middle. “

Now Allegri is giving the team three days off before they begin working towards the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

“There is no specific method to win a Final. After achieving our objectives, this Final creates the right sense of tension.

“It is important to play the game on the field and not beforehand. We must rest now, otherwise we won’t be able to walk come June 6.”

His Milan beat Barcelona at San Siro in 2013 before collapsing at Camp Nou, so how will Allegri approach them in a one-off game?

“It was tough, as when Leo Messi gets the ball you don’t know where he’s going to go with it. This team is different compared to Pep Guardiola’s Barça. They both have vicious passing trajectories and you need a great defensive performance to stop them.”