Capello seeks Ajax revenge
Wednesday 15 September, 2004
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is confident that he can finally beat Ajax after being haunted by them for years.
"I have some bad memories of Ajax both as a player and as a Coach. They bring me bad luck," he said ahead of Wednesday’s Champions’ League tie.
"I remember the defeat when I was in charge of Milan in the European Cup Final at Vienna, but I now have a chance to get rid of this taboo."
The Dutch outfit also recently ended Capello’s hopes of Champions’ League glory while he was still in charge of Roma.
"This time I think Juventus have a better chance of winning. The losses while at Roma occurred because they were a better team than us," he added.
"This time things are different and my Juventus side have everything that is needed to win the game."
Ajax’s chances of causing an upset have been greatly reduced after they sold star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Juventus in the summer.
"I don’t think Zlatan will have any problems with either the crowd or his former teammates," added the tactician.
"I always thought that he was an excellent player and now that I have him at my disposal I can assure you that he is an excellent investment."
It’s unclear though whether the Swede will start the game despite whispers that he would replace Alex Del Piero in the line-up.
"We need to be very alert against Ajax," said the captain. "They are a team that we must not underestimate.
"Every error in the Champions’ League is more costly than in our own national championship."
Juventus probable: Buffon; Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Olivera, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Del Piero (Ibrahimovic), Trezeguet
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