Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was caught on fan footage in a sweary rant aimed at midfielder Leandro Paredes during the team’s Europa League quarter-final match against Sporting Lisbon. Despite a 1-0 win thanks to a Federico Gatti goal, the match was marred by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny leaving the pitch in tears due to heart palpitations. Once it was confirmed that Szczesny was fine, Allegri attempted to make substitutions to contain their opponents, but was held up by Paredes not being ready. It was later revealed that Paredes had given his shirt to a fan in the crowd, causing Allegri to lose his temper and launch into an x-rated outburst.
New footage from the Allianz Stadium crowd shows Allegri thrusting his fists and screaming at the top of his voice, with his outburst loosely translating to “what the f*** god, f***!”. The volume of his outburst caught the attention of Federico Chiesa and Juve sub Paul Pogba, who looked terrified as their manager stormed back to his dugout. Luckily, Paredes was able to attain a new shirt from the dressing room and eventually joined the pitch in the 85th minute.
Allegri later explained in his post-match press conference that he had intended to put on Fabio Miretti, but Manuel Locatelli, who was tired, asked for a change. He then called for Paredes, but the midfielder had left his jersey in the locker room, thinking he wouldn’t come back. This caused a delay while he went to retrieve his shirt.
Despite the amusing reason for Allegri’s outburst, it highlights the pressure and intensity of professional football matches. Managers are under immense pressure to make quick decisions and substitutions that can impact the outcome of the game. In this case, Allegri’s frustration was understandable, as he was trying to make substitutions to contain their opponents and maintain their lead.
However, the incident also highlights the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism on the pitch. While it’s understandable for managers and players to get frustrated during a match, it’s important to remember that they are role models for young fans and should conduct themselves in a respectful manner. In this case, Allegri’s outburst was caught on camera and shared widely on social media, which could have a negative impact on the team’s reputation.
Overall, while the incident was amusing, it serves as a reminder of the pressures and intensity of professional football matches, and the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism on the pitch.