Ronaldo rotation and Bonucci captaincy: Allegri lays down the law
Massimiliano Allegri has stamped his renewed authority on Juventus, stating that Ronaldo will not play every game and Bonucci "can buy an armband if he wants."
Massimiliano Allegri's first press conference after his return to the Juventus dugout left few in any doubt that the former Old Lady manager, who led the side to five consecutive Serie A titles, will do things his way as he prepares for his second stint in charge. Allegri stated he would be looking to make Paulo Dybala more prominent on the pitch as well as promoting him to vice-captain, while also stating that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be playing every minute of every game, as is the Portugal captain's preference. The former AC Milan boss also had some bad news for Leonardi Bonucci, who might have expected to retain the vice-captaincy after 442 appearances for the side and 17 titles.
"Now, he has more responsibility because three years ago, we had a more experienced team, while now there are younger players," Allegri said of Ronaldo. “I expect a lot from him as an experienced player. He is in good condition and he is fit. There are different moments in a season, playing one game every three days. I’ll need to rotate the team, involving all the players and it also applies to him."
Allegri: "Leo's count started from zero when he returned"
Bonucci left Juventus for Milan in 2017 following a furious altercation with Allegri after being substituted in a Champions League last-16 match against Porto. Although his switch to San Siro lasted only a season before he returned, the Juventus boss has not swiftly forgotten the incident. "If he wants [the captain's armband], he can but one and go and play in the street with that. The captains are chosen based on the length of time they have been at the club. Chiellini is the longest-serving player and after him, Dybala. Leo's count started from zero again when he returned."