‘What’s he done?’, ‘Wasn’t discrediting Pep’ – Man City & Juve fans react to Allegri’s claims on Guardiola

Manchester City and Juventus fans debate over Massimiliano Allegri’s latest claims on Pep Guardiola’s playing style: ‘Everyone thinks about building from the back, but he signed a goalkeeper who makes long passes.”

Allegri is referring to Ederson, a fundamental part of Guardiola’s success at Manchester City. The Spaniard signed the Brazilian goalkeeper in the summer of 2017 following a disappointing first season at the Etihad, finishing third in the Premier League.

The Italian tactician released a long interview with GQ magazine where he revealed that he had already signed a contract with Real Madrid last season before Juventus re-called him to replace Andrea Pirlo.

Allegri has been probably the most divisive coach in Italy over the last decade. He is one of the most winning Italian coaches ever, but his non-spectacular playing style has always attracted criticism, also and mainly from Juventus fans. He offered more food for thought and debate during his latest interview with GQ Italia.

“Play well or get results? It’s a nice game, it’s funny! Guardiola is an extraordinary coach, but what has he done? Everyone thinks about building from the back, but he has signed a goalkeeper who makes long passes and launches the ball 80 meters away,” he said.

“This is to say that often people are deceived by things that don’t exist.

“The main thing is you have to win games. Not all the matches are the same and there are more games inside one. The games in September are not like those in March when there is more pressure and you need more calm. The ball becomes smaller and heavier. We need fewer tactics, more versatility and pragmatism.

“Players must understand and think. I want them to find different solutions when they find a closed door.”

These Massimiliano Allegri’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters, with many finding his words disrespectful even if he doesn’t seem to criticise Guardiola.

“what’s he done?”
Credit: @Ali_Szn14

“Trying to call City a long ball side is absolutely class!!.”
Credit: @blackleyosc

“I don’t understand this version of crying.”
Credit: @Akhi707

“Just say you dont watch City.”
Credit: @FMwkdsoul

“Doesn’t make sense, h’es far more successful and plays far better football than him.”
Credit: @sankalp2512

“Allegri should stay in his own lane. And stop crying.”
Credit: @mikepriestley13

“Out of context, he wasn’t discrediting Pep.”
Credit: @MantusMCFC

“He is not discrediting him…he is implying he has more than 1 way to build from the back…he can rely on his goalkeeper to launch the ball, or play a simple pass from the back.”
Credit: @MustafationAli

“This was taken out of context, he wasnt discrediting Pep at all, he said Pep has extraordinary ideas and explained when everyone wanted to build up from the back Pep used a GK for long passes. He was making fun of people who say there is 1 solution and playstyle.”
Credit: @awsome_m

“He didn’t buy Ederson for that lol. Ederson only launches it when he sees space in behind the opponent’s high line or else he sticks to short passes and short lobbed balls to the fullbacks. That long ball of his is just a special weapon meant for special occasions only.”
Credit: @Waterprince20