Giovanni Galeone, the mentor and close friend of Massimiliano Allegri, opened up about his acrimonious exit from Juventus, why he’d be ideal for Bayern Munich and the lack of Saudi interest.
The 56-year-old Italian coach was at the centre of drama on Wednesday night’s Coppa Italia final against Atalanta. Officiating decisions left him furious on the touchline and he was shown a red card for his protests, prompting him to start stripping off in rage before disappearing down the tunnel.
Allegri’s fury continued as he headed toward the dressing room, taking aim at Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago, threatening to ‘rip his ears off’. He also damaged a press area set up for post-match interviews and was visibly emotional later on in his press conference. He was officially dismissed by Juventus on Friday, bringing an end to his second spell in Turin.
‘Allegri sacking unfair’
Speaking on page 13 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, his mentor and friend Galeone first gave his thoughts on Juventus’ decision to sack Allegri.
“Max’s dismissal is unfair, but at this point it’s better this way, because if Max and Giuntoli don’t get along, it’s better to part ways. I’ve known Max for years, if he exploded like that the other night, there must have been something serious that triggered his reaction.
“Not to mention that the penalty not given to Vlahovic was impossible not to award… One thing is certain, the team in the Coppa Italia showed that they’re with Max.
“It’s mathematical, otherwise Juventus wouldn’t have won with that spirit against Gasperini’s Atalanta. Tactically, they were perfect and defensively they conceded nothing.”
He was asked if this sacking or the one back in 2019 was more painful.
“This one is more painful. His only fault is that he did too well in the first half, creating illusions and external expectations. But do you think that Simone Inzaghi would’ve won the Scudetto with this Juventus squad?
“Max won the Coppa Italia, brought the team back to the Champions League and launched many young players. All with the suspensions of Fagioli and Pogba, who would’ve made the difference even just 20 minutes a game.
“Max can only be blamed for the second half, which however in the end didn’t compromise the seasonal objectives that the club had set.”
Galeone commented on if Allegri or Juventus would benefit more from this separation.
“Max, there’s no doubt about it. He won 12 trophies at the helm of Juve and is the only coach to have won the Coppa Italia five times. Now let’s make room for the professors, let’s see if they will win as much at Juventus.”
He spoke about the idea of seeing Thiago Motta take over in Turin.
“I hear that he is good with young players. Didn’t Allegri transform Cambiaso, launch Yildiz and improve Iling?
“Thiago Motta is good and I’m the first to recognize that, but he also has a nice character. He is more demanding than Max, we’ll see.”
He was asked if Allegri would take a sabbatical year or immediately return to management.
“I hope to see him in the Premier League. Even if my dream is different.”
Galeone elaborated on this dream.
“Bayern Munich. Bayern are the Juventus of Germany, and they are looking for a great coach. Max would be ideal to guide all those talents and bring the Bavarian club back to success after the last Bundesliga ended early with the historic triumph of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Although…”
Finally, Galeone suggested Allegri wouldn’t be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.
“No, because I don’t think Max needs money. Rather, I believe that De Laurentiis, who has always been an admirer of his, will also give a ‘thought’ to Allegri.”
“Allegri sacking unfair” The world are full of unfairness so what can YOU do about it? mouthing off?
SUPPORT WHAT THE CLUB DID, FIRED ALLEGRI!
What a deluded SOB.