Benatia has Allegri doubts

By Football Italia staff

Medhi Benatia admits he was no longer happy at Juventus and that ‘I don’t know if Max Allegri is the right Coach’ to win them the Champions League.

Benatia moved to Qatari side Al-Duhail in January after he lost his place in Juve’s defence to Leonardo Bonucci, who returned from Milan last summer.

“When I went to Dubai on holiday in December, I decided I didn’t want to stay at Juve,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I wasn’t happy and I talked to my family. I never played and that burned me inside. I wanted to do my bit on the field at a team where I was feeling very well.

“When Bonucci returned Allegri told me he wanted to focus on me, but things changed quickly. I’m not angry with the Coach.

“The last game I played was against Milan. I had a good game but was dropped again for the next one.”

The Moroccan was then asked about the Bianconeri’s chances of a comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

“Allegri has done well in Italy and also in the Champions League,” added the 31-year-old.

“We’re talking about a Coach who understands football, but I don’t know if he’s the right one to win in Europe, although I hope he is.

“Ronaldo’s a machine. We talked to him a lot and he’s also an exceptional human. He has incredible humility and always works to the maximum.

“Atletico Madrid are a very difficult team to face, who always try exploit the mistakes of their opponents.

“Juventus could’ve played better at Wanda Metropolitano, given the quality they possess, but now I'm a Juventus fan and I don’t think it’s over yet.

“The Bianconeri have the quality to come back. If my former teammates reach the Final, I’ll buy a ticket and cheer for them.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow