Giorgio Chiellini, the former captain of Juventus and now Head of Football Institutional Relations, has recently commented on the current struggles of the club and his admiration for former coach Massimiliano Allegri. Speaking at Luiss University on March 1, 2025, Chiellini reflected on the challenges faced by the team, which has been eliminated from both the UEFA Champions League and the Coppa Italia, and now aims for a top-four finish in Serie A.
"The start was a disaster, and in October, we lost to Sassuolo, where I was sent off. It was a period of poor clarity, and Buffon was the one who made the difference. Gigi has strong values in his heart and was able to strike the right chords with us. Beyond, daily work was also key, but his words reignited our pride and helped us climb back up the standings," Chiellini stated, recalling the tough 2015 season the team endured.
Chiellini articulated how important leadership and strong values are during difficult times for any team. He remarked on Allegri’s ability to instill confidence and maintain team morale even amid pressure, saying, "One thing I appreciated about him was his light approach as a coach and his ability to let things slide. He was good at not making the already heavy and pressure-filled world heavier."
During his tenure, Allegri had managed to secure several titles and maintained the team’s competitive edge, something Chiellini believes has been sorely missed. He emphasized, "He has grown a lot as a person, studied to improve himself, and adapted to the coaching role at Cagliari, Milan, and Juve, making those club values his own." This appreciation is notable, particularly as it arises at such a precarious moment for the current Juventus setup under coach Thiago Motta.
Juventus’ current struggles extend beyond just match results; the issues have been rooted in the absence of strong leadership following several player departures. Fans have expressed concerns over the lack of direction and the decisions being made within the club. How Chiellini’s comments will resonate with fans remains to be seen, as reactions have been mixed. Some supporters appreciate the acknowledgment of Allegri's contributions, especially during turbulent times, whereas others view it as poorly timed praise at a moment when the team is searching for its identity.
“Di lui ho apprezzato la leggerezza nell'essere allenatore e nel farsi scivolare addosso quel che capitava. È stato bravo a non appesantire un mondo già pesante e pieno di pressioni," Chiellini underlined, speaking of Allegri's style which allowed players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch without being overwhelmed by pressure.
Many fans had hoped for this freedom to be reflected within the current team dynamics, which has faced scrutiny for lacking clear leadership. While speaking about his own leadership style, Chiellini noted, "I’ve always tried to set an example through dedication, consistency, commitment, and resilience for my teammates, especially the younger ones. I’ve always aimed to earn respect for what I did, even before what I said." This highlights the importance of human relationships within the squad, something Chiellini deems necessary especially during crisis periods.
While some supporters received Chiellini's tribute to Allegri positively, others have expressed disappointment. Many feel it counterproductive to praise past coaches when the current situation isn’t flourishing. Tension among the fan base reflects the deep concern over Juve’s direction as they continue to navigate the remainder of the season fresh off disappointment.
Chiellini’s closing remarks hinted at his potential future and aspirations linked to Juventus. "A Los Angeles ho lasciato il cuore, non so quando ma tornerò. Però volevo dare stabilità alla mia famiglia e rientrare a Torino, non precludo nulla ma mi vedo ancora lì per tanti anni," he declared, emphasizing his commitment to Juventus and desire for stability.
This connection to both his hometown and Juventus reflects Chiellini's steadfast dedication as he navigates his role within the club’s administration and his longing for the club to embrace brighter days filled with success and unity. With fans yearning for both clarity and determination, Chiellini's insights serve as both reminders of past triumphs and motivation for potential resurgence.
Despite the current turmoil, Chiellini’s unwavering belief highlights the essence of being part of the Juventus mission; rebuilding, nurturing talent, and striving for excellence as they push toward future aspirations.