“Expect to see new faces before August 31st”
“We – myself, the club, his team mates - did everything we could to convince him that it was the right choice to stay, but both Zlatan and his agent had other ideas”. Didier Deschamps spoke out this morning on the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Inter: “I have to think about the group here, we need players who are motivated and who have the right attitude. He knew he had an important role to play if he chose to remain with the club, but he changed his mind about what he wanted to do from one day to the next. We did everything we could to keep him but after a certain point, it was clear we had to find another solution”.
However, the Frenchman underlined this is not the beginning of another exodus: “Just because Zlatan has chosen to leave it doesn’t mean everyone else will. Buffon has pledged his future to the club, end of story. As far as Trezeguet is concerned, I’ve spoken to his father, who looks after his interests, and we are working towards a positive solution regarding his future with the bianconeri. I still see Camoranesi as an important part of our project here and I’m counting on him. The fact that we have Marchionni here as well means nothing, I like to have different options available throughout the season and I also see competition for places as an important stimulus. As things stand I’ve only heard the views of his agent, not his own, and I choose not to respond to the comments his agent has made". Deschamps then spoke about the squad he has at his disposal: “We have a good group here, a competitive squad. We need more than just eleven players to challenge this season and it’s also important to have competition for places. Up until now there have only been departures but you will see some new faces before the 31st of August. In defence most definitely, and perhaps up front also”.
Deschamps can count on the presence of Del Piero: “Alex chose to stay right away. He’s not only a fantastic player but an essential influence in the dressing room as well. I know him well already, having played alongside him, and he knows how important he is to the team. At the moment he needs to get back to fitness but he will be ready to show his magic come the beginning of the season”. And the prospect of facing Inter tomorrow in the Birra Moretti Trophy? “This won’t be a grudge match. Maybe the fans have other ideas, but for us this is just another part of our preparations; a desire for ‘revenge’ won’t help us go about the task in the right way. I will say this though, championships are won on the pitch and no one can ever take away the achievements of the Juventus players, they won the games”. That said, Deschamps is prepared for any future hostility: “We can expect provocation from off the pitch this season, but I hope it will be different on the pitch itself. Our players must be prepared not to rise to provocation, they must focus on keeping calm”. Deschamps ended the conference on a tactical note: “I’ll tell you this now, I will put my faith in a flat back four. It’s the most natural and adaptable line up. It allows you to play your own game and not have to worry about the opposition’s formation”.
interesting statement by DD