Marcello Lippi discusses his former team Juventus and its transition from Antonio Conte to Max Allegri, who he compares to himself.
The Bianconeri turned to the former Milan Coach after three consecutive Scudetti with Conte, and many were sceptical that that success could be repeated.
Lippi, however, is supportive of Allegri now and has reason to identify with him.
“I see myself in him,” he has said to today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport.
Marcello Lippi discusses his former team Juventus and its transition from Antonio Conte to Max Allegri, who he compares to himself.
The Bianconeri turned to the former Milan Coach after three consecutive Scudetti with Conte, and many were sceptical that that success could be repeated.
Lippi, however, is supportive of Allegri now and has reason to identify with him.
“I see myself in him,” he has said to today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He came to Juve more or less at the same age I did, he has the same concreteness I do, and he has the same drive to make the team more modern. We have points in common.
“You can see his intelligence – he came in on tip-toe, in an environment where a certain type of football was being played, without rocking the team's certainties.
“Then, with slightly different ideas, he gradually gave his own identity to the team.
“As for my comments about Allegri not having Conte's ‘competitive fury’, it was not a comparison in terms of quality. I just wanted to highlight certain differences in their approach to football.”
The Old Lady has been accused in recent years of coming short of her potential in the Champions League, but the Coach from Viareggio believes there are reasons to be optimistic this year.
“The draw can be helpful. Think of Conte's Juve, and imagine what could have happened if they hadn't drawn Bayern [Munich].
“Monaco should be treated with respect, certainly, but they are not Barcelona. And once you're in the semi-finals…
“I remember my Italy team. We were not the favourites, but one victory after the other we made it to the end, until our rivals looked at us with new eyes. Everything can happen.
“These are signs of rebirth in Italy. Juventus are developing well, and after having imposed themselves in Serie A they can gain a European dimension, pushing the whole movement forward.”
Lippi was also asked about one of the Old Lady's most coveted players, midfielder Paul Pogba.
“I think Pogba is potentially immense. He just has to avoid certain attitudes. He should cut down on some of his creative plays, or at least do them as close as possible to the adversary's goal.”