Serie A salutes Lippi
Sunday 2 May, 2004
Now that Marcello Lippi has confirmed this is his last year in charge of Juventus, the club and his colleagues pay tribute to the Coach.
“Lippi leaves Juve with the sound of applause ringing in his ears, including my own,” stated Honorary President Umberto Agnelli.
“During this period Lippi has given us success, popularity and many stirring emotions. The credit goes to his tenacity, hard work and gentlemanly conduct, but we mustn’t forget the great club that allowed him to do his best.”
Since taking over at the Bianconeri in the summer of 1994, this tactician has notched up five Scudetto titles, a Coppa Italia, four Italian Supercups a Champions’ League, a European Supercup and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup.
His disappointing term at Inter was followed by a year’s sabbatical, but since returning to the club he has taken them to two consecutive Serie A titles.
Lippi’s comeback was in place of Carlo Ancelotti, who twice failed to capture the Scudetto by a handful of points.
“The difference between myself and Lippi,” joked Ancelotti, “is that I wanted to stay at Juventus, whereas he had the choice. The club didn’t feel it could count on me anymore.”
Juventus were left regretting that decision last May, as Ancelotti’s Milan beat them to the Champions’ League trophy in an Old Trafford Final.
The future is now unclear for Lippi, as he claims he will not Coach another club side, while the Italy job is reportedly lined up for him after Euro 2004.
“I took a year’s sabbatical during my career,” explained Fabio Capello, “and after many winning years with a single club it is certainly helpful to take a rest.”
Fellow colleague Carlo Mazzone doesn’t think that Lippi will be putting his feet up for long.
“Marcello has everything a man needs to be in charge of the Azzurri squad. I believe he is the natural successor to Giovanni Trapattoni.”