Chelsea dealt transfer blow by Juventus as under-fire Allegri backed

Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow after Juventus decided to back under-fire boss Massimiliano Allegri. Graham Potter is reportedly keen to send Denis Zakaria back to the Old Lady after being unimpressed by the Switzerland international since his arrival at Stamford Bridge but the plan relies on the Italian being relieved of his duties, something that looks unlikely despite his side’s poor form.

Allegri is under huge pressure in Turin following an abject start to the season that has seen his side take just 13 points from their opening nine Serie A games. Their form in the Champions League has been even worse and they look set to be knocked out of the competition, trailing Benfica by five points with two games to go. 

His tenure reached a new low after Juventus fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Israeli team Maccabi Haifa. It was a huge shock to fans of the Italian side with Haifa considered to be the wiping boys of Group H failing to win any of their three previous fixtures. 

There are strong calls for him to be stripped of his duties however Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has stressed he is at the club for the long term, blaming the players for the club’s issues.

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Chelsea have been left in something of a tricky position by the fact Zakaria made two appearances for Juventus before making the move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day. FIFA rules dictate that one player can only represent two clubs within the course of a season meaning the Blues will be unable to use the player at all if they want to encourage the Old Lady to take him back while Allegri is still at the club. 

It remains to be seen how Chelsea will look to proceed with their Zakaria issue – but it is clear that the longer Allegri remains in charge at Juventus the more difficult it becomes for Potter to send the midfielder back to his parent club.

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