Ranieri keeping an eye on Diego
Claudio Ranieri has opened the door to Diego and is focused on the Champions League Final. “I'd pay to be there!”
Juventus will face last season's finalists Chelsea in the second round next month for a place in the quarter-finals.
“If it meant reaching the Champions League Final in Rome, I would pay to be there out of my own pocket!” laughed the Coach.
“Before that, we must face some very strong sides. Last year Chelsea lost because of one penalty, but they are all big clubs in the competition now and that includes Juve.
“We hope to reach the test with Chelsea in our best form. The Champions League does take up a lot of your energy and focus, so it will be important to have back those champions who have been missing through injury.”
Gianluigi Buffon is still suffering from a serious bout of flu, which in some newspapers was described as 'bronchitis', while Giorgio Chiellini, David Trezeguet, Cristiano Zanetti, Tiago Mendes, Mauro Camoranesi and Hasan Salihamidzic are approaching their comebacks.
“We can't find a reason for all these injuries. Last year there weren't any big problems and we have not changed our training regime.
“There is an issue and we will try to resolve it. After the initial injury, Zanetti had a series of relapses, while Chiellini and Camoranesi keep feeling pain despite the tests showing no damage.”
Juventus have not been active on the transfer market yet, but Ranieri was less dismissive than usual on the possibility of picking up Werder Bremen star Diego.
“We are keeping an eye on him, because he is an excellent player,” the tactician told Juventus Channel.
“We have to evaluate every element of this situation. Clearly I like him, but we also have to think about the balance of the squad.”
This week Ranieri commented that he hoped Manchester City would not turn their attention to his own stars after failing to tempt Kaka for £107m.
“My players are priceless. When there is a chance we have to begin from scratch. I would never sell, but it isn't only down to me and there are other considerations to be made.
“If by selling one player you balance the books and can buy others, then the matter can be considered.”
channel4