Jonathan Zebina (102 Viewers)
- Thread starter djleli
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Mr Unpopular
Jonathan Zebina should be one of the first to leave the Olimpico as part of the mini-revolution at Juventus, says Serafino Ingardia
Jonathan Zebina isn’t to blame for Juventus’ recent slump. As a result it may have come as a bit of a surprise when the boo-boys targeted him last Sunday against Lecce. The French defender took it badly, urging the Curva to be silent before pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.
The criticism aimed at the stopper, some vicious, was actually rather more rational than many people may think. It was just a matter of circumstances that they emerged on that given day. Consequently more than one Ultra is hoping that Zebina’s appearance at the weekend will be his last in that honourable Bianconeri jersey.
The former Romanista has been at Juventus since 2004, but has done very little to justify his arrival. He wanted to leave after demotion to Serie B but, as he puts it, was “forced” to stay. On the club’s return to Serie A he was surprisingly – and ludicrously – offered a new deal until June 2011.
Zebina is simply surplus to requirements at Juventus – and many other clubs judging by the apparent lack of interest in him from elsewhere. He’s a valid defender, but a temperamental and thus unreliable one. He had the potential to be one of the best full-backs in Europe but his character halted his progress. On top of that, he’s injury prone and over-paid.
How can Juve justify his costly presence in such times of financial crisis? He’s a full-time reserve to Zdenek Grygera, a player who has proved to be much more use to the Old Lady’s cause. His ego is also problematic.
Unpopular with fans and seemingly unpopular with boss Claudio Ranieri, who has afforded him little playing time this term, it seems that an exit would suit all concerned. Even the likely arrival of a new Coach won’t be enough to change things.
The only problem for the Bianconeri is trying to find a club willing to buy. Otherwise, the outfit should even consider negotiating a contract rescission and forfeiting a fee. That may sound harsh, but Zebina has no future in Turin. The fans know it, the club knows it and even Zebina must know it.
channel4.com
Jonathan Zebina should be one of the first to leave the Olimpico as part of the mini-revolution at Juventus, says Serafino Ingardia
Jonathan Zebina isn’t to blame for Juventus’ recent slump. As a result it may have come as a bit of a surprise when the boo-boys targeted him last Sunday against Lecce. The French defender took it badly, urging the Curva to be silent before pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.
The criticism aimed at the stopper, some vicious, was actually rather more rational than many people may think. It was just a matter of circumstances that they emerged on that given day. Consequently more than one Ultra is hoping that Zebina’s appearance at the weekend will be his last in that honourable Bianconeri jersey.
The former Romanista has been at Juventus since 2004, but has done very little to justify his arrival. He wanted to leave after demotion to Serie B but, as he puts it, was “forced” to stay. On the club’s return to Serie A he was surprisingly – and ludicrously – offered a new deal until June 2011.
Zebina is simply surplus to requirements at Juventus – and many other clubs judging by the apparent lack of interest in him from elsewhere. He’s a valid defender, but a temperamental and thus unreliable one. He had the potential to be one of the best full-backs in Europe but his character halted his progress. On top of that, he’s injury prone and over-paid.
How can Juve justify his costly presence in such times of financial crisis? He’s a full-time reserve to Zdenek Grygera, a player who has proved to be much more use to the Old Lady’s cause. His ego is also problematic.
Unpopular with fans and seemingly unpopular with boss Claudio Ranieri, who has afforded him little playing time this term, it seems that an exit would suit all concerned. Even the likely arrival of a new Coach won’t be enough to change things.
The only problem for the Bianconeri is trying to find a club willing to buy. Otherwise, the outfit should even consider negotiating a contract rescission and forfeiting a fee. That may sound harsh, but Zebina has no future in Turin. The fans know it, the club knows it and even Zebina must know it.
channel4.com
