ferrara's comments:
Ferrara: "We threw it away"
Tuesday 8 December, 2009
Ciro Ferrara admits Juventus were second best tonight and “threw away the Champions League in the last two games.”
Juve had only once failed to reach the knockout phase, in 2000-01, and it's their worst European home defeat since a 3-0 to Manchester United on February 25 2003.
A group of around 50 fans gathered outside the stadium to protest after this disastrous 4-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.
“It's terribly disappointing, but for everyone rather than just me. The club, fans and team know it hurts to go out of this competition, but we lost the last two games and tonight proved we're not capable of dealing with a situation like this,” said Ferrara.
“We're not good at holding on to a draw. Bayern were superior tonight in terms of sharpness, tactics and technique. We created very little.”
The Bianconeri only needed a point to qualify and had taken the lead through David Trezeguet, but collapsed in the second half. Some would suggest they were drained from the fiery 2-1 win over Inter at the weekend.
“It's difficult to say if Inter influenced, but I don't think it's right to look for alibis. You all saw how much physical and psychological energy we poured into Saturday's match, but having said that, this is a competition that has to motivate you.
“Their wide players often found space between the lines with very little resistance. It felt like we were running, but ineffectively.”
Diego and Felipe Melo have been criticised this season and had a particularly poor game this evening, booed off the field by the fans.
“I won't analyse individual players, I prefer to focus on a wider view of everyone, including myself. I don't think it's right to put the blame on anyone, as the whole team did not play up to scratch.
“Bayern remain a great side, even if they were coming off a difficult period. During the Champions League we had done pretty well, only to throw it all away in the last two games. That cost us dearly.”