Del Neri: 'Relax? Don't do it!'
Wednesday 4 August, 2010
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Gigi Del Neri sticks with Diego and warns Juventus to “abolish the word 'relax’ from our vocabulary” ahead of the Shamrock Rovers clash.
The Bianconeri have a healthy 2-0 lead from the first leg of their Europa League preliminary round tie in Dublin and welcome the Irish minnows to the Stadio Braglia in Modena tomorrow evening.
“We are motivated, as this is an important game for our future in the Europa League,” insisted the Coach.
“In order to improve for the coming season, we must face each encounter with the right spirit and respect for our opponents. They are a very physical side and can cause us some problems.”
Juve famously crashed out of both the Champions League and Europa League last season when they needed only a draw to qualify, but shipped four goals against Bayern Munich and Fulham.
“Relaxation is an enemy in the world of football. We must abolish the word 'relax’ from our vocabulary,” slammed Del Neri.
“I would be very angry to see the concentration levels drop, but I doubt my lads will have that attitude. They know it is vital to give their best.”
He was expected to rotate the squad and bring in Alessandro Del Piero, but it seems Diego will retain his place up front.
“I am accustomed to giving credit to players after a good performance and, seeing as we are playing every eight days, there is plenty of time for them to recuperate. In the middle of a packed season I’ll evaluate fitness levels, but it is not my custom to chop and change.
“The team that played in Dublin did well and I want to help their confidence, with the knowledge there are important players behind them who can give a contribution.”
Trequartista Diego had been on the market because he didn’t fit into Del Neri’s 4-4-2 system, but has found a new lease of life.
“I like Diego as a support striker, he created chances in Ireland, had shots on goal and set up one of Amauri’s goals with a splendid assist.
“I don’t think he can play out wide or as a central midfielder, but he does need to keep working on this new position.
“I have no intention of playing with two strikers and a trequartista, so in Serie A as well I’ll field a centre-forward – Amauri or David Trezeguet – and the others will play alongside them. That includes Vincenzo Iaquinta.”
Felipe Melo and Iaquinta are out injured for the Shamrock Rovers match, while Mauro Camoranesi, Christian Poulsen, Fabio Grosso and Sebastian Giovinco have been dropped, as they are on the market.
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Football Italia