Ranieri: 'I know Juve's problem'
Claudio Ranieri says he knows “what is behind this situation, the problems and the causes. But I’ll only talk about it at the end of the season.”
Juventus have hit a brick wall over the past few weeks, falling 10 points behind leaders Inter and caught by Milan in second place as well as knocked out of the Coppa Italia semi-final by Lazio.
“I know what is behind this situation, the problems and the causes. I don’t want to discuss it now. I’ll only talk about it at the end of the season,” said the Coach.
“Right now I am only focused on doing well, winning and securing second place.”
These comments intensify tension around the Juve camp, as Ranieri’s head is on the chopping block after fans wrote an open letter urging sweeping changes.
“I am someone who has always fought and dealt with problems by battling on. I try to give all of myself to achieve second place and I am convinced the team wants that too.
“Nobody has disappointed me and I am certain that among the players there is nobody swimming against the tide. The team is giving its best.”
The midweek Coppa Italia elimination meant Juve are likely to end the season empty-handed and the level of the performance also upset supporters.
“I think I am an intelligent man and if I have been in football for 40 years it’s because I can fare in any sea,” he added.
“When the water is churned up in a storm, you need to keep quiet and focus on action. I stay in my place and take care of the facts.”
The pressure is on Ranieri against bottom of the table Reggina on Sunday and he is well aware of that.
“Juve need to start winning again after a poor period of form. I expect a reaction from the whole squad, not just a few individuals.
“Reggina are gambling with their last hopes of safety, we have our pride at stake. We must go there and be angrier, hungrier than our opponents.
“I was not disappointed by the performance against Lazio, as the team gave its all. We’re trying to do everything we can.”
Nicola Legrottaglie has not recovered from a flu virus, joining Giorgio Chiellini and Dario Knezevic on the sidelines, so Lorenzo Ariaudo partners Olof Mellberg in central defence.
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ranieri has officially done nothing.
