The 10 decisions Allegri made to turn Juventus' season around
Following Juventus' 4-0 first-half humbling of Udinese, manager Max Allegri was quick to praise his team, all whilst encouraging them not to lose focus.
"In football, the number 10 irepresents magic, which is what our winning streak feels like. Now, however, we can't relax, we have a Cup to defend!".
Though the Old Lady now has to focus on Wednesday's Coppa Italia clash with Lazio, it is time for us to take stock of the situation, and in particular to recognize all the good things that the oft-criticized Allegri has done.
Here is our top ten list of Max's key calls throughout the season
1) To have kept his cool after Juventus' defeat to Sassuolo, when the season looked to have taken a very bad turn;
2) Heeding the veteran players' calls for a return to 3-5-2;
3) The Dybala situation: it turns out Max was right, La Joya needed to be eased into things. Now, he's quite simply indispensable;
4) Another successful integration: that of Alex Sandro, who is beginning to boss things on his wing.
5) The Pogba case: Allegri has dosed the carrot and stick very cleverly. Being left out at Udine was no coincidence, it's consistent with the manager's excellent handling of a great talent. Pogba is going through a key season in his career, and is now wearing the No.10, too.
6) Max has also been able to balance the good cop and the bad cop. Remember how angry he got in the last seconds against Carpi?
7) Treatment of young players: they've had to learn to wait their turn, and Max isn't risking any of them by using them up too soon. This is the case for both Zaza and Rugani, who have since got their chance to shine.
8) Allegri has also been consistent on the transfer market, sending the club a clear message: either Juventus bring in a champion, or it's best to leave things as they are.
9) The former Cagliari and Milan Coach doesn't do anyone any favours: Alvaro Morata has been benched ever since it became apparent that he was stuck in a rut, and that others up front were playing much better. His successes in the Champions League aren't enough for this "what have you done for me lately" approach.
10) In any case, the Livornese coach has kept his feet on the ground: his tweet is basically telling the players that, despite all their achievements, they haven't accomplished anything yet.
Il dieci nel calcio è il numero della magia, e dieci vittorie di fila lo sono. Ora vietato rilassarsi che c'è una Coppa da difendere!
— Massimiliano Allegri (@OfficialAllegri) 17 Gennaio 2016
Gianluca Minchiotti (@GianluMin), translated by Edo Dalmonte
