Zinedine Zidane, Massimiliano Allegri during the 'Together, a Black and White Show' event at Pala Alpitour
Massimiliano Allegri is seemingly more open to a Premier League move than fellow free agent Zinedine Zidane
Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is seemingly a lot more open to the prospect of a Premier League move than Zinedine Zidane.
The Italian hasn't held a coaching job since his second spell with Juve ended unceremoniously at the end of last season. However, speculation has emerged linking him with the management position at West Ham, where Julen Lopetegui's situation has grown increasingly untenable.
Zidane - who also remains a free agent - has also been touted to join the Premier League ranks at numerous junctures in recent years. Manchester United have frequently arisen as reported suitors for the Frenchman, who has repeatedly insisted he's not comfortable enough speaking English to make the switch.
"Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I'm not completely fluent in it," he previously told L'Equipe. "I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way."
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Contrast those comments against Allegri, who appeared a lot more upbeat about the prospect of working in the Premier League. Speaking at the launch of a football exhibition at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Allegri was quizzed about the recent connections to West Ham and his potential next job.
"How's my English? Very good," came his answer when asked about how his English studies were faring. The two-time Champions League runner-up has only been out of work for six months or so but remains highly coveted.
Allegri, 57, faced more questions over his coaching future but was in no mood to go into detail. Following a second volley of inquisitions regarding his next move, the veteran tactician got a laugh from the crowd as he scanned the room and said: "Where’s the exit? Where’s the exit?"
Julen Lopetegui is teetering on the brink at London Stadium
Former Real and Barcelona goalkeeper Lopetegui has seen his stock plummet, meanwhile, after being installed as David Moyes' successor in the summer. The east Londoners have won just six of their 17 matches under the Spaniard, who returned to coach in England one year after agreeing to leave Wolves.
Ironically, it was a win over his former employers on Monday that may have granted a stay of execution. The Hammers are currently 14th and nine points clear of the relegation zone but are far from the European qualifying spots Moyes often had them challenging for.
It seems clear from Allegri's latest comments that he feels ready to take on the mission of managing in England's top flight. While Real legend Zidane has never been quite comfortable with the challenge, West Ham may have another free-agent heavyweight in their midst who is up to the task.
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