Transfer News: Chelsea receive Denis Zakaria blow as Juventus back Massimiliano Allegri after damaging Champions League loss
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has received a major blow with Denis Zakaria after Juventus back their manager Massimiliano Allegri, despite a 2-0 Champions League loss to Maccabi Haifa last night.
Potter is keen to send back Zakaria to Italy after being left unimpressed by the midfielder, according to 90min (h/t Express). But this plan relies on Allegri being sacked by the Old Lady.
The Italian coach is under huge pressure back in Turin. His side sits eighth in the league with 13 points, 10 behind leaders Napoli. They are also in danger of being knocked out of Europe, with the Turin-based club having won only three points in four games.
Zakaria arrived in west London on deadline day for a season-long loan spell. But, the 25-year-old is yet to play a game for the Blues in any competition.
Chelsea themselves are in a pickle here. The Swiss international had played two games for Juventus this season in the Serie A, before making the move. FIFA rules dictate that a player can represent only two clubs in a season.
With Potter not being a fan of the midfielder, the Blues hoped that whoever replaced Allegri would like to have the midfielder back. But that has not gone according to the plan.
Conor Gallagher seems to be finding his form, while Potter preferred to give Carney Chukwuemeka his debut in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday than bring on Zakaria. It is clear that the manager does not want him and it will be wise for the club to get rid of the player.
It remains to be seen how Potter and Chelsea proceed with the Zakaria issue. As long as Allegri is the coach at Juventus, the more difficult it will be for the west London club to get rid of the player.
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One would also wonder why things have gotten to this position. Zakaria was brilliant for Borussia Monchengladbach and the Swiss national team but couldn’t get a single minute with the Blues.