Juventus coach Allegri refuses to discuss Super League, says Chiellini ‘must decide’ on future

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists club directors are in charge of off-the-field issues like the Super League but is glad Giorgio Chiellini visited the team earlier this week: ‘He must decide on his future.’

Juventus visit Frosinone on Saturday but will travel to the Stadio Stirpe without the injured Federico Chiesa. Allegri revealed the Italy international has suffered a slight knee injury which makes him unavailable for tomorrow’s away fixture.

Juventus are currently four points below leaders Inter, but Allegri looks elsewhere.

“The season is long; we look at the teams behind us, and we must continue winning,” he said at a press conference on Friday.

Would he settle to finish second and win the Coppa Italia?

“I don’t settle for anything. We must play and win games because it’s not easy,” Allegri replied.

“We must get to the end of the Girone d’andata and see how many points we have. The target is the Champions League.”

What’s his verdict on young Juventus players who are getting regular game time this season?

“It’s part of the journey, the more they play, the more they earn experience. It’s a growth process they are doing,” he said.

Three former Juventus academy players, Enzo Barrenechea, Matias Soulé and Kaio Jorge, joined Frosinone on loan last summer and have put in convincing performances so far. Soulé has scored six goals in 14 games, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.

“They are all doing well and I had no doubts about it,” said Allegri.

“Frosinone are a healthy club with a great sporting director who knows how to do his job. They have a coach who has a desire for revenge, so it’s a good mix. That’s why we chose them for Barrenechea, Soulé and Kaio Jorge. All young players need to follow a path unless they are already Juventus starters.”

Juventus have not officially reacted to a European Court of Justice’s ruling on FIFA and UEFA’s dominant position and Allegri didn’t reveal his thoughts on the matter.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss this. The President Ferrero and CEO Scanavino are in charge of these things,” he said.

With Chiesa injured, Dusan Vlahovic is expected to start tomorrow, but the Serbian has scored just one goal since September.

“Vlahovic is 23, and playing for Juventus is not easy,” noted Allegri.

“Technically, he did well in the last few games, he only missed the goal. I am happy, he must find a balance, and until a player turns 27, it’s difficult to achieve. It happened to Rabiot already and it will happen to Vlahovic and Kean too.”

Allegri added that Tim Weah “is improving but is still not ready to play 90 minutes” and concluded by talking about Chiellini’s future. The former Italian defender has just announced retirement and visited his former coach and teammates earlier this week.

“Giorgio has just retired, he came to visit us and it was important but as he also said, he must understand what to do. He will talk to the club but he must decide on what he wants, which is normal.”

Aside from a return to Juventus, Chiellini could remain in the MLS and work to develop the league’s brand.