Capello's mind games working
ROME (AP) - J
uventus' 17-1-1 record in the first half of the Serie A season has undoubtedly made an impact in its opponents' minds.
But Juventus coach Fabio Capello is also playing mind games with his own players, most notably club captain Alessandro Del Piero.
Del Piero scored four goals in Juve's last two wins, becoming the team's career scoring leader. He passed Giampiero Boniperti - Juve's star of the 1950s - with a hat trick in an Italian Cup match last week, then scored in a 1-0 win over Reggina on Sunday for his 186th goal in all competitions for Juventus.
His reward? A place on the bench for Wednesday's game at Chievo Verona. Capello plans to start David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead.
"You have to pull the right strings to motivate players," Capello said. "There are no untouchables. I tell the guys, 'Accept my decisions and everyone will get their chance."'
Capello has routinely relegated Del Piero to the bench this season and maintains the player will benefit.
"Having played less, he's fresher and can be at his best throughout the second half of the season," Capello said. "He will enter the World Cup in fantastic form."
Brazil midfielder Emerson, who followed Capello from AS Roma to Juventus, knows what the coach is up to.
"Capello works with players' heads, he's a great psychologist," Emerson said.
Even Gianluigi Buffon, often regarded as the world's best goalkeeper, has no assurances.
Buffon recently returned from a four-month shoulder injury layoff and Capello said he will have to work hard to stay above Christian Abbiati. Abbiati filled in well while Buffon was out.
"Gigi knows it's a challenge with Abbiati," Capello said.
Foxsports.com
regardless of if he means it or not,but i think his tactics are working.id take a del piero on great form playing less over a del piero in poor form playing everyday anytime.del piero's world cup chances are looking bright too imo.