Former Cagliari President Massimo Cellino believes Juventus should offer Massimiliano Allegri a new three-year contract: ‘He’s a top coach.’
Cellino, a former President of Cagliari and Leeds United and the current owner of Serie B side Brescia feels Juventus should continue with Massimiliano Allegri in 2024-25 and beyond.
“If I were John Elkann, I’d start from Allegri and then fix all the rest. If Max brings Juventus back to the Champions League, it’d be like winning a title. It’s what the club requested,” Cellino told Gazzetta.
“The decision to return in 2021 came from his heart. I also got upset when he snubbed Real Madrid and now he is leading a transition period. He’s one of the few putting the business ahead of himself.”
Bookmakers and casino online bettors are convinced that the Italian tactician will be sacked in the summer, but Cellino feels Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli should extend Allegri’s contract instead.
“If Giuntoli is smart, and he’s proving to be so, he will start from Max next season,” argued the Brescia president.
“Giuntoli is an excellent director, but there are no magicians in football. If I were him, I’d extend Allegri’s contract for three years, asking him to spread his salary. Like this, I’d have a top coach and more money to buy players.
“Juventus is no longer the team it used to be. Vlahovic is a champion but must also help the team and the coach.”
Juventus are practically sure to play in the Champions League next season, given that Serie A will have five clubs in Europe’s elite club competition in 2024-25.
They will meet strugglers Cagliari away on Friday night, but Cellino will support the Rossoblu.
“I hope I won’t upset Max, but I’ll watch the match supporting Cagliari,” he admitted.
“I trust Claudio Ranieri, who is a great coach. It’s a shame he was never on my teams. I also like Luvumbo for the Rossoblu.
“Claudio is the man of miracles, I hope he will accomplish another feat. My heart belongs to the Rossoblu, but Max is top-class.”
Allegri spoke about his future at a pre-match press conference on Thursday and didn’t guarantee he’d remain at the club beyond the summer.
“We want Juventus to play in the Champions League next season and reach the Coppa Italia Final. Once we’ve reached the targets, the club will tell their strategy for the future,” he said.
“It’s not the first time there have been rumours about coaches and players during this period
“We must remain focused. I’ve told the lads that we’ve been working from July 15 for six or seven months to be in the race for all our objectives in March. It’s April, and we are still in the Coppa Italia and the top four. The aim must be clear, and now we must go for it.”