Controversial ex-director Luciano Moggi believes Juventus ‘would’ve been relegated’ to Serie B had Maurizio Sarri stayed in the dugout for a second year.
The Italian coach spent just a single year at the helm of the Bianconeri from 2019 to 2020, guiding the club to the Scudetto and a second place finish in the Coppa Italia. He failed to impress in the Champions League, suffering elimination to Olympique Lyon in the Round of 16.
Juventus decided to dismiss Sarri and replace him with Andrea Pirlo, who also spent just a year in charge before Massimiliano Allegri returned for his second spell. The club still haven’t won the Scudetto since Sarri’s departure, dealing with various off-pitch issues.
When speaking with Radio Bianconera via TMW, Moggi underlined his frustrations with Sarri and suggested Juventus would’ve dropped down to Serie B had he stayed a second year.
“Juventus are second in the table with Allegri, what else are we looking for? Let’s not end up like what happened with Sarri, who was taken by all accounts to improve the game, this coach was placed in a context that didn’t respect him.
“In his only year at Juventus, he not only worsened the team’s community, but, at times, he risked losing the Scudetto that he eventually won. If he had stayed another year, the team would’ve been relegated to Serie B.”
Sarri decided to respond to Moggi through Lazio’s media department, defending his time in charge in Turin.
“In regards to Moggi’s statements, I’m having trouble because I would have to respond to someone who has been banned and therefore I feel like I’m disrespecting everyone those who haven’t.
“The truth is that Juventus’ last Scudetto came under my management and the truth is that in a history spanning over a century like that of Juve, the only relegation came under his management.
“And also with a 17-point penalty for the following Serie B season… I also have the feeling of what is behind his statements, but these are the facts.”