Marcello Lippi has told Juventus fans to be patient and get behind Massimiliano Allegri if they want to celebrate a record-breaking fourth straight scudetto next spring.
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The appointment of the former AC Milan coach was met with scepticism by many Juve fans, reeling from Antonio Conte's shock resignation, but Lippi, who coached Juve to five Serie A titles in eight years and their last Champions League triumph, believes he is the right man to bring further trophies to the club.
"I've got a lot of faith in him," Lippi told Tuttosport. "When you coach Milan, Inter or Juve, you're always under pressure, not only because of the shoes you are filling. Allegri has already worked at a club at the highest level in Milan, and he also won the scudetto there. Of course he was a Juve rival then and I can understand the fans.
"There could be a few problems to begin with, also for some of the controversies [Allegri] raised in the past, but then Allegri's great ability will emerge. He's young, but he's already won things and he has credibility. It's always difficult to begin with, but then with hard work the results arrive and the mutual respect between the coach and the team grows and everything works out.
"It's going to depend a lot on the results and it's going to be crucial they get off to a good start. The coach is new and they've got to find an understanding and there will be difficulties, but that's normal. When it matters, Juve will play a great season and a great Champions League."
Defender Giorgio Chiellini has also backed Allegri, after the initial surprise at losing Conte had gone. "We're working well with Allegri and the new staff," Chiellini said prior to boarding the plane which took the Bianconeri to Indonesia on Sunday. "Conte's resignation was a shock, but not a disappointment.
"I've spoken to him and I understand his reasons. After 24 hours of shock, it's only right that we moved on. Allegri has already won one scudetto. He's intelligent and he's not going to ruin what is a winning machine, but maybe he will even manage to make it all the more unpredictable.
"The fans don't need to be sceptical -- just look at the squad we've got. We're stronger than last season because some new players have arrived and some more will come in this last month of the transfer window. The fact people think we won't win anymore without Conte just motivates us even more, because we've learned what it means to win, and it's fantastic."