In recent weeks, Juventus fans must have noted the increasing presence of two prominent figures.
The first is the biggest icon in the Bianconeri’s elusive history. We’re talking of course about Alessandro Del Piero, who made his first appearance at the Allianz Stadium last Saturday since leaving the club in 2012.
The second figure would be Lapo Elkann, who is described as the most genuine Juventus fan in the Agnelli family.
John Elkann’s younger sibling has been more active on social media as of late regarding his beloved club, even taking a swing at Max Allegri following the latest underwhelming performances.
While some were expecting (or at least hoping) that these two men would be the backbones of a new era at Juventus, it appears that none of this talk is accurate at the moment.
According to Tuttosport via ilBianconero, majority owner John Elkann still supports his cousin Andrea Agnelli at the helm of the club, as well as CEO Maurizio Arrivabene and sporting director Federico Cherubini.
The older Elkann brother doesn’t wish to shake things up at this point, and he still believes that the current figures can lead Juventus back to the top.
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While the fans might argue against John Elkann’s decision, he arguably knows his brother Lapo more than anyone else, and he probably feels that the latter isn’t suitable for such a major responsibility.
As for Del Piero, the legend surely has a lot to offer for the club. He’s smart, level-headed and knows the sport inside-out. So the former number 10 would surely be an invaluable addition for the club.
Have we learned nothing at Juve? Pirlo was an excellent player. How did he fare as an inexperienced manager? Nedved is another Juve legend on the pitch. He along with Paratici lobbied Agnelli to fire Allegri when Max told Andrea the club needed a total rebuild – three years ago. History has proven Allegri to be correct in his assessment of the club. For his legendary status on the pitch, what experience does would DelPiero bring to Juve as a Director? Could he replace Nedved? Okay, but will he make a difference not unless the club’s personnel needs are addressed.
The Ronaldo signing should have taught us there are no shortcuts. The inability of Pirlo to change the team’s direction tells us experience on the bench matters – especially at Juve.
Pragmatic as he is, Allegri has proven himself to be able to assess the club’s weaknesses and strengths. The problem is ownership didn’t listen.
No one understands Juve’s pressure and priorities of competing on multiple fronts better than him (see Sarri’s inability to do so in Italy and England).
The awful start after Ronaldo’s late departure doomed Juve’s chances of a Scudetto this season. Still, Allegri managed to stabilize the team and move up the table. A CL spot for next year is firmer at this point of the season than it was a year ago.
Coppa Italian would be nice, but it won’t stop the Haters from hating – the venom lies deep in their soul.
The answers at Juve are not complicated: A true registra, a leftback, a replacement for Chiellini, and a replacement for Dybala, and either Kean or Morata. After the 80M Euro purchase of the Serbian striker, does Juve have the means to make fill these spots with top players still in their prime?
Therein lies the challenge for ownership. Unlike Pirlo, Allegri is a proven winning manager. And unlike Conte, Allegri has proven he can do so for more than a year and without burning bridges.
It’s time for the Anti-Allegri crowd to pipe down and stop embarrassing themselves and the club.
The right man is on teh bench. No one could win CL – Juve’s ultimate objective – with the midfields of the last five years. Enough of the drama, fill the obvious needs and let Max do what he does best – win!