Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus ‘can only wait’ for Paul Pogba’s counter-analysis and wishes good luck to Leonardo Bonucci but refuses to add more as he’s ‘not a fan of soap operas.’
The Bianconeri boss had plenty to talk about at a pre-match press conference on Friday although most issues were off-the-pitch related.
Paul Pogba has been suspended after failing a doping test on August 20, while Bonucci has released an explosive interview against his ex-club and coach, saying he felt humiliated when he was forced to train separately last summer. Most of today’s press conference questions concerned these two matters rather than tomorrow’s Serie A game against Lazio.
“There’s nothing more to say about Bonucci,” said Allegri.
“I can only wish him good luck for his career inside and outside football.
“Soap operas are on Canale 5 and I am not a big fan,” he continued.
“I wish good luck to Leonardo for the remainder of his career. He joined a Champions League club, so it will be important for him in terms of motivation. There is nothing more to add.
“Leao didn’t create an internal war. A decision was taken, as we said. It’s part of the course of life,” insisted Allegri.
“He will have a chance to play in the Champions League. The team wants to prove what we can do. Like all the teams I’ve coached, they leave everything on the pitch.”
Talking about Pogba’s suspension, Allegri said: “I am sorry but I have nothing to add. There is a process ongoing and people involved, so we can just wait.”
What does Pogba’s suspension mean for him tactically?
“It’s hard to say what changes. He is suspended now, so we must wait until the end of the process,” said Allegri.
“After the ruling, I can say what changes. At the moment, we know he won’t be available against Lazio and probably against Sassuolo. Then we’ll see. We are focused on what we have. We have an important game tomorrow and we must face it in the best way.”
Pogba’s counter-analysis will be carried out on October 5. The second test on sample B had been scheduled for September 20, but it’s been postponed due to the unavailability of the player’s consultant.
Pogba returned to Juventus in 2022 but has barely played 200 minutes since his second free transfer from Manchester United.
“He was a 30-year-old man when he returned. He suffered an injury and things did not go well,” admitted Allgri.
“He put in all his commitment. He is a different player from the others, with all the respect due, as I already said in the past.”
Asked if the Bonucci and Pogba sagas left him embittered, Allegri replied: “It’s two different things. I am sorry for what happened to Paul. As for Leonardo, we’ve already said a lot. I think it’s more important to think about tomorrow’s game. This is life, we go ahead and think about tomorrow.”