Croatia should be thanking Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri for their run to the World Cup final, according to Mario Mandzukic‘s agent Ivan Cvjetkovic.
The former Yugoslav nation reached their first major international tournament final in Russia this summer, losing to France 4-2 in Moscow.
Mandzukic played a key role in Russia, with his endless endeavour and direct approach to forward play paying dividends for a Croatia side that outmanoeuvred England, Russia and Denmark on their way to the final.
And Cvjetkovic, who has said his player loves playing for Juventus, believes Croatia has Mandzukic’s club boss Allegri to thank for their fairytale summer.
“He was a right-back, then a right winger because the lad had technique and the Coach moved him forward,” Cvjetkovic told Calciomercato, via Football Italia.
“Sometimes he also played on the left. One day [the Coach] called me and told me: ‘I think my lad has good numbers. Come and see him.’
“I went and after half an hour I shook hands with Mato: job done, I’ll take him with me. Before the end of the game, we’d agreed on everything.
“When Mario arrived in Turin, he was certainly proud to wear that shirt, but perhaps he thought it was just a step in his career.
“Over the last three years, he literally fell in love with Juventus, the club and their fans. Maybe only at Bayern was he so loved and convinced, but here at Juventus there’s something more.”
He continued: “His relationship with Allegri is really strong. I’ll give you a bit of background: if Croatia reached the World Cup Final, it’s partly thanks to the Juventus coach.
“Before Mario left, in fact, Allegri called him and told him: ‘Don’t listen to any of the talk, [the board] consulted me and I said that you were indispensable for me.
“That show of trust galvanised him and he was undoubtedly motivated in Russia.”
Juventus have started the defence of their Serie A title by winning all three of their opening games, with Mandzukic scoring twice and assist once so far.
The Old Lady next take on Sassuolo at the weekend in the league, followed by an away Champions League tie against Valencia on Wednesday.
The post Croatia have Allegri to thank for World Cup final, says Mandzukic’s agent appeared first on Squawka News.
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