Fabio Capello was not impressed with Massimiliano Allegri’s decision to return to Juventus.
The 54-year-old Italian coach re-joined the Bianconeri in the summer, replacing the dismissed Andrea Pirlo. His return has not been easy, with the Turin side sitting just outside the Champions League spots heading into the Christmas break.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello first discussed the similarities between himself and Allegri, saying ‘let’s say that the ideas are similar, not using just one system of play, reading the games well, winning with substitutes. I see myself in him in this.’
The former Juventus and Roma coach thought that Allegri should have accepted Real Madrid’s offer instead of returning to the Bianconeri. ‘I had said that Allegri would become an umbrella, he would attract all the criticism. And so he did.
‘Guilty or blameless? On the pitch, not guilty. He made a few mistakes, it took him a while to understand what to do but the path he chose for me is the best. Max always knows where to go. In the decision itself, guilty, he had an offer from Real and it was the ideal time to go to Madrid.’
He tried to understand why the 54-year-old Italian coach returned to Turin, rather than accepting the move to Spain. ‘Let’s say Juventus were a comfortable choice. Abroad it’s harder, you have to question yourself, discover that the players have different habits. Allegri seems a bit lazy, he has no interest in moving, he prefers to have Livorno close by.’
Capello commented on the lower quality of the Bianconeri squad this campaign. ‘The team have decent values, certainly not the ones Juve are used to. Take Cuadrado and Alex Sandro. They used to give me the impression they push hard, now they don’t change their pace anymore. Of course, Cuadrado always has quality.’ He highlighted.
He touched on Juventus’ issues in front of goal this season, nothing that ‘they don’t play badly, they create little, which is different. Morata has always been too isolated, instead he does better when he plays with a forward like Kean.
‘Now we have to see if, when Dybala returns, Allegri will let them all play together. It’s difficult, but it might be possible.’
The former England coach looked ahead to the Bianconeri’s Champions League Round of 16 clash with Villarreal. ‘A very difficult game, with a team that has grown a lot and has a coach, Emery, who is always very good in the cup. The Spaniards are the favourites.’
Finally, Capello discussed what type of player that Allegri is looking to add to his Juventus squad in next month’s transfer window. ‘I don’t like talking about this, but Allegri is clearly looking for a man who can turn the team around in the middle of the pitch. I’m not sure he’s found him.
‘He’s tried Ramsey, Arthur and Locatelli, who is an excellent player but I think he’s more of a mezzala.’
Capello: 'Allegri, tornare è stato un errore, doveva andare al Real. La Juve è una scelta comoda. Il mio record, il gioco e la rosa…' https://t.co/C5b3LYdhiW pic.twitter.com/abkUa4aqOc
— ilbianconero (@ilbianconerocom) December 24, 2021
“Capello commented on the lower quality of the Bianconeri squad this campaign. ‘The team have decent values, certainly not the ones Juve are used to. Take Cuadrado and Alex Sandro. They used to give me the impression they push hard, now they don’t change their pace anymore. Of course, Cuadrado always has quality.’ He highlighted.”
Right so this guy has rightly critiized Alex Sandro but includes Cuadrado as well? What?
Easily one of our most consistent and best players for the past few years, even having to change to a more defensive position and still manages to pump out excellent attacking numbers! He doesn’t change his pace anymore? What a load of rubbish.
Capello always saying nonsense
He’s correct in saying Allegri is lazy. He spent two years out of the game without seeking to improve his knowledge and understanding of what other teams and managers are doing. He could have learnt so much and become a better manager, but chose to stay on holiday and be a playboy.
Capello also made a return to Milan and look how that worked out.
Capello also made a return to Milan and look how that worked out.