A few days ago, Italian outlet Calciomercato reported that current Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri had signed a contract with Chelsea to manage the team next season, with earnings of up to €10 million a year. Asked in a press conference about the report, Allegri couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Massimiliano Allegri's reaction when he's asked about the €10 million contract from Chelsea rumors " " pic.twitter.com/G17Ho8ehQS
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) 6. Februar 2016
After a quick recovery, he brushed off the rumours, reminding that his contract with the Old Lady only runs out in 2017.
Allegri:"10 million a year from Chelsea? It makes me laugh. I have a contract with Juve until 2017 & I'm happy here" https://t.co/7GZO1k2sg8
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) 6. Februar 2016
While, realistically, Allegri couldn't possibly say anything else in this situation, regardless of whether there have been any actual talks or not at this point, his apparent wish to stay at Juventus is also shared by director Giuseppe Marotta, who's claimed that everything is in place for the coach to stay at helm of the club for the foreseeable future, given the success he's brought to the side in the short time since his arrival.
"We're speaking to Allegri every day at this crucial stage of the season. In the space of one month we have to play in every competition: the league, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. The next month will tell us a lot about how the whole season is going to play out."
"But we talk to Allegri about footballing matters, not about other matters. Beyond the contracts you have to sign there are the relationships you must build with people, and we're happy with Allegri."
"All the conditions are right for us to continue with him as coach. Results are what count and Allegri has delivered plenty of those. Football is a business and the role of a coach is important when it comes to breeding continuity."
"Chelsea are a top club and it's obvious that they'll want to look at the best coaches. All I can say is that Allegri is already at a top club, so he'd do well to think twice before leaving Juventus."
-Giuseppe Marotta; source: Mediaset via ITV
Despite a Chelsea-esque poor start this season, Allegri and his Juventus squad managed to right the ship in time to recover and once again become title contenders. Following on from last season's domestic Double and Champions League final, it's only natural that Marotta would be reluctant to see Allegri leave the club, and this resistance won't make it easy for Chelsea to grasp him from Juve if he's truly one of the names in our managerial short-list for the next season.
Marotta, helpfully, has endorsed another candidate instead for the Chelsea job, Antonio Conte, whose contract with Italy is currently set to expire after Euro 2016. Thanks, Beppe!