Legrottaglie: Best Juve still to come
Saturday 8 November, 2008 Channel 4
Nicola Legrottaglie warns Juventus are just warming up. “From December onwards we’ll be unstoppable.”
The Bianconeri have struggled during their injury crisis and Coach Claudio Ranieri was facing calls for his head before notching up five straight wins in all competition, including the double over Real Madrid.
“Even when things were going from bad to worse, I always remained very relaxed,” the defender told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“In truth we lost a few games in unlucky circumstances and because of so many injuries. Let’s just say the squad also felt that atmosphere of negativity and lost a little of its unity, but the club did well to prove itself solid and backed Ranieri.
“We never feared he would be fired. Juve don’t do these things and it would’ve been wrong after last year’s results.”
A few short weeks later and Juventus are qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League and just four points adrift of Serie A leaders Milan.
“The crisis could well have been an advantage. If the worst has passed and we are four points off the top, then we will see some great things in the future. I think from December onwards, Juve will be unstoppable.”
Confidence is sky high following the 2-0 victory away to Real Madrid, secured with an Alessandro Del Piero brace.
“It was a splendid night,” grinned Legrottaglie. “I think I have found the right balance in my career. At the end of the game I was so happy, but also relaxed and without so much adrenaline as in other times. I think that is a sign of maturity.
“If I could set a target for this season, it would without doubt be the Champions League Final, especially as it is to be played in Rome.
“Nobody can tell me we don’t have what it takes to go all the way. I also dream of the 2010 World Cup. I will be 34 when it comes around, but considering the way I feel now, I could easily play for another five or six years.”