Montero ‘did not try to transform Juventus’

Paolo Montero insists he did not intend to ‘transform’ Juventus in place of Max Allegri, but outlines why Federico Chiesa and Nicolò Fagioli were used in new roles against Monza.

The interim coach had just two games in charge after replacing sacked Allegri and they went well, fighting back from 3-0 down to hold Bologna 3-3, then sweeping Monza aside 2-0 this evening.

While he had initially started with Allegri’s usual 3-5-2 approach in Bologna and shook things up after switching to the trident, he launched the 3-4-3 in Turin with great success.

The goals came from Chiesa and Alex Sandro, an ideal way for the Brazilian to end his Juventus career after 327 appearances.

“I honestly did not come here to transform anything, but to collaborate and I am proud to be with these players,” Montero told DAZN.

“Every time they play, I sit in the stands to watch them, so it was an honour to be here with them.”

Montero shook Juve up

Allegri was criticised so man times for not using Chiesa on the left flank in a trident, so why did Montero decide to use him there?

“We evaluated the players in the best shape. Chiesa has the quality to play on the right like at Fiorentina or the left like for Italy. He is a champion with a very positive mentality and is prepared for the Euros this summer.

“Chiesa makes the difference, I saw that at the stadium. If he continues to play at this tempo, he creates spaces and becomes deadly in one-on-one situations. These players can play wide, central, left or right, the important thing is that they have space to take men on.”

Fagioli was called up for the Italy squad rather than Manuel Locatelli, so is he more suited to playing in front of the defence?

“Yes, that is where he was today, as a regista. He can also be a play-maker, a mezz’ala, he passes the ball well and reads situations in front of him. He is constantly receiving information on where to position himself and where to receive the ball, which is fundamental for a modern player.”