-------------------
Fabio Capello insists the Bianconeri gave everything they had to reach the Champions’ League semi-finals, but were outplayed by Liverpool.
“We must admit that Liverpool defended solidly and were unstoppable in the air. They deserved to qualify,” conceded the Coach after two poor displays sealed their exit.
Juventus needed to win 1-0 at the Delle Alpi after losing the first leg 2-1, but played with a low tempo and rarely tested goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, only hitting the woodwork with Fabio Cannavaro’s late header.
“We gave everything we had and performed well enough, hoping to snatch a goal from somewhere, but unfortunately we were unable to score. Liverpool are a tough team to face. We knew that when they close up and go on the counter-attack they are at their best and we couldn’t find a way through this attentive defence. Sami Hyypia was particularly marvellous.”
Nobody knows that more than Capello, who was already eliminated twice by the Anfield outfit during his time at Roma. He had urged patience, a tactic that worked against Real Madrid in the last round, but the clock ticked away all too quickly.
“Liverpool play with one upfront and are constantly trying to crowd us out. We were able to create more chances at Anfield precisely because they were willing to attack, whereas now it wasn’t in their interests to do so.”
Aside from tactical considerations, it was a psychologically limp performance from the players who barely got out of first gear.
“I don’t feel it right to blame the lads, as it was a very balanced game and our opponents kept us on our toes with the threat of the counter-attack,” continued the Coach. “That’s why they’ve done very well away from home this season.”
The Italian Press has already turned on Capello’s side after a sluggish performance against an opponent they were expected to eliminate comfortably and the lack of alternatives in the squad was clear for all to see.
“David Trezeguet is a goal poacher who makes the difference in the area and would’ve been very valuable in this match, but he wasn’t available and we had to deal with that.”
Milan are now the only remaining Serie A representative in the Champions’ League and will face PSV Eindhoven after they won a penalty shoot-out with favourites Lyon. Liverpool go into an all-Premiership semi-final with Chelsea.
-----------------
Good to see a manager gracious in defeat. After putting up with the arrogance of Alex Ferguson and Wenger for many years, and now the biggest ego of them all, Jose Mourinho, it's nice to see a manager with a bit of class. What a great manager Capello is.
Buy on AliExpress.com
