During Max Allegri’s original spell in Turin, Miralem Pjanic was one of the club’s main stars.
The Bosnian was at the pinnacle of his playing career and acted as the linchpin that linked Juve’s ranks. The two men remain fond of each other, although a meeting never materialized.
While most fans and observers believe Allegri should step down amid the club’s current crisis, Pjanic has come to the defense of his former manager.
The Sharjah midfielder still sees the Livorno native as the one capable of lifting the club out of its current miserable state.
The 32-year-old explained how Allegri’s cool approach was essential during the tight Scudetto battle against Napoli in 2018.
Back then, Juventus lost a head-to-head clash with the southerners late in the campaign with Kalidou Koulibaly scoring in the closing minutes.
Nonetheless, the Bianconeri managed to keep their composure and win a dramatic comeback against Inter a week later, paving their way to the podium.
“Now the changes do not make sense, the sums should be taken out at the end of the season. Allegri’s Juventus may be able to turn everything around, but everyone has to be questioned,” Pjanic said in an interview with Tuttosport via ilBianconero.
“No one can be satisfied, starting with the players. But also Allegri. He and his staff will find a way to reverse the situation.
“The championship is balanced, anything can still happen. When you get through these tough times, it’s even better and success is tastier. It would be a huge satisfaction.
“Do you remember the 2017-18 season and the victory of Sarri’s Napoli at the Allianz Stadium with a goal by Koulibaly in the final minutes?
“The day after the defeat against Napoli, my teammates and I went to training with doubts in our heads, wondering if we can still win the title. Also because the next game was at the San Siro, against Inter.
“Allegri brought the team together and spoke to us with incredible calm and serenity. And without looking for excuses or alibis, Max told us not to think about Koulibaly’s goal, but about the points that were still at stake.
“At San Siro, you know how it went. Allegri always looks forward, not back. In these moments, he looks for the right words and the best solutions to turn around. He will do the same this time.”
