Former Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini, now serving as Head of Football Institutional Relations at the club, recently shared his thoughts on various topics during a visit to Luiss University in Rome. The Italian defender, known for his leadership and dedication, offered valuable insights into his career, Juventus’ current situation, and his experiences with former coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Reflecting on his time in the United States, Chiellini expressed his fondness for Los Angeles, stating, “I left my heart in Los Angeles, and I don’t know when, but I will return.” However, he emphasized his desire to provide stability for his family by returning to Turin, adding that he sees himself remaining with Juventus for many years to come.
Addressing Juventus’ current struggles, Chiellini drew parallels to a similar period in 2015 when the team faced difficulties. He recalled a crucial moment following a defeat against Sassuolo, where he was sent off. Chiellini highlighted the importance of Gianluigi Buffon’s leadership during that time, saying, “Gigi has values in his heart; he managed to touch the right chords in all of us and get us back on the right path.”
Throughout his career, Chiellini has always strived to be an example of dedication, consistency, and resilience for his teammates, especially younger players. He emphasized the importance of earning respect through actions rather than words, stating, “In an environment like ours, where everything moves at a thousand miles an hour, it’s important to start from the basics and establish excellent human relationships with everyone.”
As a captain, Chiellini faced the challenge of representing a diverse group of 25 players with different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. He acknowledged the difficulty of managing team dynamics, especially with frequent changes in the squad. “Being the link between old and new players wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “I tried as much as possible to understand people to extract the best from them.”
Chiellini also shared his admiration for former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, praising his ability to maintain a light-hearted approach while demanding the best from his players. “He was good at not weighing down a world already heavy and full of pressures,” Chiellini explained. “He gave confidence and freedom to the team while expecting a lot from everyone.”
The defender highlighted Allegri’s quick understanding of Juventus’ values despite never having played for the club. Chiellini noted Allegri’s personal growth and dedication to improving as a coach, adapting to the roles at Cagliari, Milan, and Juventus.
In a lighthearted moment, Chiellini revealed that he was often the only one who understood Allegri’s jokes in the Livorno dialect, acting as a translator for both foreign and Italian players.
