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Pirlo reflects on short yet ‘very intense’ Juventus managerial stint

Andrea Pirlo - Juventus
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The Italian was relieved of his duties after less than just ten months of his appointment as the Bianconeri’s head coach.

Looking back on his managerial stint at Juventus, Andrea Pirlo says “it was very intense” and that he found it “difficult to try something new.”

Pirlo was appointed as Juventus manager in August 2020, a few days after the club’s Champions League Round of 16 exit and the consequent dismissal of Maurizio Sarri.

The 42-year-old’s appointment was a source of surprise for the club supporters and media alike considering his lack of experience at management.

Many predicted at the time he wouldn’t last long – and they were proved right as the former midfielder maestro’s tutelage lasted only for 52 games. The Bianconeri had failed to experience Serie A success for the first time after nine successive Scudetto wins while also almost missed out on Champions League qualification.

“I learned a lot. It was my first experience as a coach but it was very intense because we started the season with only one friendly game,” Pirlo told in an interview with The Athletic.

“It all went very quickly. We played every three days, without fans, without being able to recover and without being able to train and prepare for the next game.

“It was difficult to try something new. Recovery was more important.”

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