Ferrara explains first defeat
Sunday 4 October, 2009
Ciro Ferrara admits he is taking his first career defeat “badly,” but holds his hands up to confess “Palermo were better.”
The Bianconeri were unbeaten so far this season and, with his two games in charge at the end of last term too, the Coach had never previously lost.
“I'm taking my first defeat badly! Unfortunately we don't have the chance to get right back out there, but I knew the first loss would eventually come and there is no 'good' time for it to happen.
“Nothing went right for us tonight, so there's no point looking for excuses. Palermo played better, worked harder and clearly won the game. There are no alibis.
“We made so many mistakes and as a consequence ran many risks. We leave Sicily disappointed, aware we did badly and that Palermo deserved the victory.
“I'm disappointed, but not worried. We have to keep going, even if I'll be without most of my players over the international break.
“We will keep our heads up and return to the gritty and humble approach we had at the start of the season.”
Diego was substituted, just as he was midweek in the 0-0 with Bayern Munich, although the Brazilian did hit the crossbar from a free kick.
“Diego was marked very closely and I made a change because I realised we were struggling and had to readjust,” explained Ferrara.
“We tried to make more of the flanks and the height of Amauri, [David] Trezeguet and [Vincenzo] Iaquinta. We put pressure on them in the second half, but never created real danger.”
Fabio Cannavaro, Hasan Salihamidzic, Tiago Mendes and Momo Sissoko were out for this game, but the former Liverpool man should return soon after a long-term lay-off.
“Sissoko is certainly an important player who can give his contribution, but I wouldn't say he could resolve the problems we've had in recent weeks. We need to be solid again and keep the right shape at all times.”
Juventus are now two points off joint leaders Inter and Sampdoria and level on terms with Fiorentina.
“I would not let this defeat sully our ideas. I have a great squad at my disposal, there is a long way to go before the end of the season.
Last week we had a slight advantage over Inter, now it's the other way round.”

at Inter in first and us in third.