Giovanni Branchini, the representative of Massimiliano Allegri, recounted the period when the Juventus coach was on the verge of assuming control at Real Madrid in 2021.
Following Zinedine Zidane’s departure from his role as Los Blancos coach for the second time at the end of the 2020-21 season, the Spanish giants sought a suitable replacement. Allegri, who had been out of work since leaving Juventus two years earlier in 2019, emerged as a potential candidate.
Ultimately, Real Madrid opted to appoint Carlo Ancelotti after Allegri chose to return for his second stint at Juventus. This period has been marked by various off-field issues, including financial challenges at the club level and extensive player suspensions.
In an interview with Relevo via Calciomercato.com, Branchini detailed Allegri’s decision not to join Real Madrid in 2021, despite having reached an agreement.
“If he had signed, Allegri would’ve been the coach of Real Madrid. Everything was agreed, everything, everything. But in the end, with death in his heart, he decided not to do it. It was a painful act for both. “Branchini explained.
“He didn’t sign for another club that offered him more, but he chose to stay in Italy because two things coincided, a family issue and Juventus’ offer to return. The two things coincided and he chose not to leave Turin.”
Branchini then elaborated on the subsequent events involving Allegri and Real Madrid.
“I communicated the decision to José Angel Sanchez (general director, ed.), I always talk to him. He is the person I trust the most, despite knowing Florentino Perez. Even in these things you have to respect the roles.” he noted.
“If Florentino calls me, I turn to him, but if I call Real Madrid, I call José Angel. Real Madrid is a fantastic club, with incredible professionals.”
“It was a dream for Allegri and, honestly, it would’ve been a great professional satisfaction for me too, but the reason why he didn’t sign was so human and serious that we all had to accept it.”
Regarding Real Madrid’s selection of Ancelotti as coach, Branchini remarked, “Carlo has been a lifelong friend. At the time I brought him to Bayern Munich, but the relationship between Real Madrid and Ancelotti was so strong and direct that I didn’t intervene that time. They didn’t take Carlo straight away because Allegri was a total surprise.”
“I think they weren’t prepared and needed a few days to decide what to do. Ancelotti would’ve stayed at Everton, but he paid a fee to be able to free himself.”
Juventus performance and stats
Juventus is currently 2nd in the Serie A with 57 points.
In the last 27 games, it has won 17 times, drawn 6 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Juventus lost 2-1 against Napoli.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 42 goals and conceding 21.
