Reports in recent days claim that Juventus could sell Leonardo Bonucci in the January transfer window, suggesting the defender is no longer as important as he once was.
He is still the captain of the Bianconeri, but at 35 he can no longer play every game for Juve.
Max Allegri has been managing his minutes. Also, he struggles to stay fit enough to play more games.
Rumors claim that he could meet Antonio Conte at Tottenham in London because they share a close bond.
Juve have not had a good season and Allegri is still playing as he searches for his best starting eleven.
However, the coach insists that Bonucci remains part of his plan even when the defender is not playing.
He said through Football Italia:
“Leonardo is the captain of the team, a player with personality who I have to manage like everyone else.
“He is a crucial player whether he plays or not. It is a general path that involves everyone. At 35 you don’t have the energy of when you were 20.
“That is true for all players who reach a certain age. I am lucky to have six defenders and I can rotate them. I am happy with Leo. He is a responsible man and an added value whether he plays or not”.
Juve FC says
Because Bonucci has been an ever-present in the current Juve squad, when he’s not playing, there would be speculation.
But if the team does poorly, the coach loses his job, so Allegri must be allowed to make the picks he knows will win games.
We still need Bonucci for his experience, but the club shouldn’t stand in his way if he asks to leave.
