Channel 4
Ranieri makes Pavel appeal
Saturday 21 March, 2009
Claudio Ranieri praised Juventus for their “winning mentality” and urged Pavel Nedved to postpone his retirement.
“I really liked the fact we played with the right shape and determination,” he said after the 4-1 win away to Roma.
“It was not an easy game, as Roma may have been reshuffled, but they could get great results with the support of their crowd.
“We kept it simple and efficient. Juventus have a winning mentality, they always go for the best and we are trying to get that into the new players too.
“We must improve all the time in every area, that is what I tell my squad. It is a never-ending journey.
“We did not make things complicated for ourselves, other than [Simone] Loria's goal on a corner kick, as the team carried on playing as it had in the first half and remained practical. We didn't get enough bodies in the box early on, but fixed that as time wore on.
“We wanted to invite Roma forward slowly, as it was best not to charge into their half and leave ourselves open to the counter-attack early on. That was a danger, so we needed patience for the opening 15 minutes or so.”
Vincenzo Iaquinta bagged a brace, while Olof Mellberg and a spectacular Nedved volley rounded out the scoreline.
“Iaquinta needs to be used with his characteristics. We signed Amauri precisely because he is different from the other strikers at our disposal, so I am happy with how they have all contributed this season,” added Ranieri.
“I always put those in the best form on the field. Unfortunately Iaquinta always had these little setbacks just before he was meant to play, whether an injury or a cold. At least now he has fresh legs and can really push in these final months.”
Sebastian Giovinco is another option, although he now seems to be used only on the left side of midfield.
“Giovinco starts out from the left flank, but he doesn't need to stay there. I am convinced that with his teammates knowing where to find him and facing the goal, he can create some real danger.
“I am very happy with the squad at my disposal and the team spirit they possess. We all want to improve and are so hungry for the win, so that is the right attitude.”
Nedved came off the bench and scored a stunner within four minutes, boosting recent reports he could postpone his retirement again.
“I hope Nedved can play on. He made the statement he is retiring and we can only wait and see what he decides. I told him he just says these things to get a raise!
“Every year he is always undecided. I hope it's not time to go, because I always want a player like this in my locker room.”
The gap from Inter is now four points, but the leaders welcome bottom of the table Reggina on Sunday afternoon in what is on paper an easy test.
“I told the lads that waiting for the other results is not a healthy way of approaching this season. A side that wants to win must only look to get the victory and ignore everything else,” warned Ranieri.
“Inter were the favourites and are deservedly top of the table, but we cannot sit around watching to see if they slow down or trip up. All we must do is get the best out of ourselves and see where we end up.”
Forza Ranieri
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