Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure was not easy for the team and contributed to a poor start to the season.
The Portuguese star joined the Bianconeri from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018. He spent three seasons in Turin, scoring 101 goals in 134 games before joining Manchester United at the start of the 2021-22 season.
The main scorer of the team, the departure of the 37-year-old had repercussions for Juventus, who did not have time to find a replacement.
Ahead of Juventus’ Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan on Wednesday (May 11), Allegri was asked to think about his campaign. He said the departure of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner caused some problems early on, saying (via Football Italia):
“The team had a bad start, but we got an important result because playing in the Champions League every season is crucial. We will try to improve things and prepare to start again next season.
“You all know that seeing Ronaldo leave three days before the end of the summer transfer window was not easy,” he added. “I also had to know the team. Then we lost Federico Chiesa. We had to face some difficult moments. On the other hand, we improved and qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League.”
The old lady lost twice and drew once in the next three league matches following the departure of the Portugal international. Fortunately, Allegri fixed the ship and inspired his team to bounce back with four straight Serie A victories.
Juventus, who is currently fourth in the Italian league, is seven points ahead of Lazio, who is fifth. With only two games to play this season, the Old Lady is guaranteed a place in the Champions League next season.
Ronaldo is Manchester United’s top scorer this season. The former Juventus striker scored 24 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.
Despite his goals, the Red Devils had a disastrous campaign and the season would end without titles. The club also failed to qualify for the Champions League.
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