I think a lot were sort of in that same position, being a bit underwhelmed (apart from the Vučinić fan club). First there was the news of that cash injection and everyone talked the money up speaking of big names, and we were linked with Sánchez and Agüero (even Rossi) before the money was spread out over a few players. I think the thing that worried me about Conte was that he hadn't been in such a position before, as a coach, and it was simply too much to be the sixth different Juventus coach since Calciopoli. Conte was Agnelli's choice though, so I think we found the guy that made the most important transfer of last summer. The thought of winning Serie A had never crossed my mind until that first match against Parma where everything came together (Pirlo's resurgence, the stadium, Conte's system), and I was very unsure of a few players (Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie and his fitness, Pirlo and his motivation) before the season started. I think Beppe was a little old fashioned before Conte came along, thinking he was the man that made the team and the coach did the rest of the work. There were several players who admitted to receiving calls from the coach telling them the project and convincing them it is worthwhile, I think Beppe was even trying to sell Pepe/Bonucci that summer and Conte stopped the deals from ever happening. So yeah, I agree he's growing, dealing with new things because I don't fully trust his judgement in players (credit for Pirlo though, MVP). There were even reports of him getting into disagreements with Pavel over certain things last year, and I wonder about Elia.
Exactly man, exactly.
I agree it would be very irritating if he didn't get another left back this summer though, we sorted stuff out with De Ceglie and Chiellini changing it up but there simply isn't the strength in depth which we have on the other side with Lichtsteiner, Cáceres and Isla. I like De Ceglie, but I still have concerns over him keeping fit for an entire season.
Seriously, how could he go another summer without buying a dedicated LB? Ziegler on a free doesn't count; Conte isn't going to let that type of shit slide.
Just comparing the total wage costs of the club currently and one or two years ago, there isn't even an increase in wages with the increased quality of the squad. With the salaries of Iaquinta, Amauri, Elia, Krasić, Grosso, Del Piero, Motta, Pazienza all gone, I struggle to believe that the club cannot afford to offer something in the region of €7m (as much as Marotta would hate to do that). The club will enjoy the stadium revenue and return of CL revenue, shouldn't be that unrealistic IMO. The biggest downer is that we can't get Cavani because he's already on something relatively small, but I think someone like Lewandowski fits my description better, of someone showing a lot of positive signs without being too notable in the bigger competitions (in the CL and Euros his team didn't really perform that well). The same goes for someone like Giroud.
It was a significant part of the growing pains, he has done what he thought had to be done to pare wages, it was painful at times, but now we can grow sustainably. The future is very bright.
I've stated my opinion a few times regarding Džeko, I have no reason to think any less of him than I thought when he was at Wolfsburg. He's scoring well despite the minutes played (even scored one of the most important goals in the history of Man City), he hasn't had any major injuries and hasn't acted like a bitch over lack of game time. I don't understand any of the criticisms he's received since joining City (most of them are a load of bollocks, like he rejected Juventus when we couldn't even sign him at the time). He's well built, strikes the ball very cleanly, I'd still love him. It seems like we're on the same page though
I don't think either of us has ever doubted the player. He would be a massive addition, Dzeko is a quality striker and if he were to arrive, a lot of folks would be singing a very different tune in very short order. I would wager significant cash that he would be a prolific goal scorer in Serie A, there would be tons of service at Juventus, I have no reason to think otherwise, really.
Yep, we're on the same wavelength. I really like the pair from Udinese, I like that he's looking to bring in younger players like Pogba and Verratti to continue what the club started last season. I'm also a fan of Destro, even though it seems like we're going to be waiting a hell of a long time to get this Juve-Genoa-Siena-Inter situation sorted. If I recall correctly Conte even said that he admires Destro, Marotta certainly said it. Really hope we can get him because he could have a big career for either Juve or Inter, I hope the player realises that his chances of success as an Italian are a lot greater at ItalJuve
Hopefully Verratti gets sorted, now or next year. I'm interested to see Pogba's compete level, haven't watched the player other than Youtube.
ItalJuve - I do love having the spine of the Italian National team. These guys are already growing so much together, it's tremendous that they get that international experience. I think it's going to be an important draw for us moving forward, I really do. Would love to snag Balotelli out from under City.
I just see Destro sliding farther and farther away, though...
Regarding the second point, exactly. There should be lessons learned from the Secco era, in particular that summer when he splashed heavily on two names when the squad wasn't strong enough to facilitate the switch in formation.
Yeah pretty much as I said earlier, I'd be very disappointed if we didn't get a left back, I can't see the positives in playing Giaccherini, Pepe or Chiellini in the LWB role with the shift Juve has made towards a 3-5-2. They'll all work hard but I don't see the productivity that we could find from someone else. Senad Lulić is my recommendation, hey we could make BosniaJuve.
Regarding centre back, we just need one in case we find ourselves in the same situation of playing Cáceres-Vidal there. The squad depth they're building on is promising, and we've got ages so we'll see.
Definitely, there were some pretty obviously lessons to be learned from the Secco era. So much pain...
Juveguay, Chilventus, BosniaJuve... I'm good for any of those
Yeah a friend mentioned Wenger's comments to me as well, I brushed it off when I brought up their success in winning any sort of trophy lately. I think a lot of people on here have at least one friend they'd love to act smug around if we signed a big player from the EPL.
I'll be on the look out for news stories of a naked man being arrested.
I'm sure a lot of those same people are still licking there wounds after yesterday's match!
C'monnnnnnn BEPPE!
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