This might cheer a few people up (Karma!!)
Massimiliano Allegri 'intensifying English lessons' amid Man Utd rumours, agent confirms
Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has been linked with a move to Manchester United and his agent has now given an update on his future
Massimiliano Allegri is "intensifying his English lessons", according to his agent.
Allegri has been taking a sabbatical since leaving Juventus at the end of last season following a run of five straight Serie A titles.
He has been linked with a return to management in the Premier League, with Arsenal tipped with a move before appointing Mikel Arteta.
It has been claimed Allegri is waiting patiently to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United as his position comes under increasing threat.
Whilst Solskjaer's job is not yet believed to be under threat, it is claimed he could be axed if he fails to get United back into the Champions League.
Allegri's agent has now provided an update on his plans - confirming he does not expect Allegri to be back in the dugout "particularly soon" but suggesting he will be back in management ahead of next season.
“I don’t think Allegri will return particularly soon. He says he’s intensifying his English lessons, but I am not so sure about that!” agent Giovanni Branchini told Radio Anch’io Sport.
“Jokes aside, he is happy to have a year off. Sometimes you need to stop and see things from a different angle. I am certain that from next season he’ll be happy to resume his professional journey.
“It’s difficult to make predictions, as so much depends on how some clubs do in the Champions League. At this moment, it’d be really just baseless speculation.”
Asked about his future and when he plans to return to management in December amid Arsenal links, Allegri told ESPN: "In June. I don’t know if you can call it a sabbatical or not.
"Giovanni [Branchini – Allegri’s agent] and I immediately came to that decision. As soon as the relationship with Juventus came to an end the decision was to take a year out.
"I had 18 years as a player and I’ve been in coaching for 16. I stopped this year after 34. I’m happy.
"I have a chance to reflect, go and talk to people, do things in my private life that I’m passionate about like going to the theatre, some art exhibitions, reading books.
"Next year will be an important year. Important for the choice I end up making and the need to be prepared for it.
"After a year out and five years at Juventus, I don’t want to go back into the game and do badly. That would do my head in.
"I am taking (English) lessons here in Milan. I manage to speak quite well. I find the listening part a bit more difficult.
"If I’m talking to someone who helps me out by speaking a little slower then I understand. I watch films [in English] and if I read something in English I understand it fine."
