Massimiliano Allegri has stated that he does not fear Juventus sack following a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Benfica.
Allegri returned to Juventus at the start of last season after winning 11 trophies and reaching two Champions League finals during his previous stint as manager.
However, the 55-year-old could only match Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus side’s fourth-place result in the 2020-21 season, while they were beaten by 10 other Serie A clubs last season, prompting fans and commentators to question Allegri’s style of football.
The Old Lady have also had a slow start to the season, with Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Benfica extending their winless streak to four games in all competitions.
What Has Allegri Said On Juventus Sack?
Following two consecutive Champions League defeats, Allegri was questioned by reporters if he felt his job was in danger.
The Juventus boss said: “I don’t feel my job here is in danger. It’s normal to have these moments in football. We need to work hard and change the situation — also, we have many important players injured.”
Despite appearing to be at ease in his position, Allegri is under increasing pressure.
Before Wednesday’s match, Juventus director Maurizio Arrivabene was harassed by irate fans, with one apparently asking him to dismiss Allegri if the Italian team did not beat Benfica.
Arrivabene answered by asking, ‘Then you pay for who comes next?’
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His comments appear to be in reference to Allegri’s contract extension with Juventus until 2025, implying that dismissing Allegri now would certainly result in a significant pay-out.
Arrivabene later corrected his statements just before kickoff, stressing that he was merely joking, but still claiming that letting Allegri go would be ‘ridiculous.’
“Let’s be clear about this. When I left the restaurant, a fan shouted that we should sack Allegri if we don’t win and I replied with the first joke that crossed my mind,’ he told Prime Video, as reported by Football Italia.
‘It’s ridiculous to create a case for something like that. That’s how football should be taken sometimes and have a laugh.’
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