Ferrara: 'I won't abandon ship'
Sunday 20 December, 2009
Ciro Ferrara declared “I will not abandon the ship” after five defeats in the last six games for Juventus.
“The same disappointment our fans feel now is also in the locker room and the corridors of the club. We cannot deny the results haven't been up to the standard of this club and we're going through a tough time.”
The Bianconeri fell 2-1 at home to Catania on a day that was already tense with eggs thrown at the team bus and protests in the stands.
“It's a period when things keep going wrong for us, we're in the thick of the storm, but if we remain united I think we can get out of here. I like sailing and will not abandon the ship.”
Ferrara took the unusual step of substituting Felipe Melo just 35 minutes into the match, as he made a series of unforced errors and was particularly insulted by the crowd.
“Felipe was running into some difficulties and making a few too many mistakes, so it was a technical decision to replace him. Clearly we'll have a chance to talk things over and understand what the problems are.”
Juve have gathered just 18 points in last 13 rounds and in total have six fewer than at this stage last season.
“If I have to analyse and say what the problem is, I certainly wouldn't tell it to the media. Besides, if I'd found there was just one problem then we would already have resolved the issue,” said the Coach.
“It's not just one problem, it's a series of things coming together in the last three months. We had done very well at the start. We know we're not doing well, but I don't think you can blame just one element.
“I don't think we will go on to the transfer market. Diego and Felipe Melo are top players and certainly not the sole issues in this team.”
