Capello slams 'stupid' Ibra
Saturday 5 November, 2005
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s red card against Bayern Munich infuriated Fabio Capello and he has warned the Juve star to shape up for Sunday’s clash with Livorno.
“I hope it will be the last stupid thing I’ll have to comment on with regards to Ibrahimovic,” said the Coach of that dismissal. The Swede was shown two yellow cards for petulantly kicking out at opponents in the 2-1 win. He isn't new to such behaviour, earning a three-match ban last season for an off the ball incident with Ivan Cordoba.
“I explained to him that when you are already on a booking, you should avoid giving the referee even the slightest excuse for a second card. I hope it’s the last time we’ll have to discuss this, but I did talk to him and what was said remains between us.”
Ibrahimovic is nonetheless expected to start in Sunday’s encounter with Livorno, which becomes especially important now that Juve’s lead at the top of the Serie A standings has been cut to just two points.
“We gave a great response against Bayern, proving that the 3-1 defeat to Milan was just a blip,” assured Capello.
“Livorno are not in fifth place by chance – they are doing very well with an aggressive approach and solid defence. Roberto Donadoni is one of the best young Coaches out there and can adapt his style to the players at his disposal, creating a system that suits their qualities. We must be wary of this team and respect the Amaranto.”
In fact, before the defeat to Milan, Livorno were the last side to take points off Juve in Serie A with a 2-2 draw on May 22.
The break for international duty is coming up and Capello insists the bitter row with France boss Raymond Domenech is over after their recent meeting.
“The only players who really need to be on form for next week are Pavel Nedved and Marcelo Zalayeta, who are taking part in World Cup play-offs, so I’ll keep an eye out for their situation. I met with Domenech and we explained our respective positions to create common ground. He intelligently set out friendlies on Wednesday and Saturday, so the players are free to return to their clubs from the Monday.”
Juventus squad: 3 Chiellini, 4 Vieira, 6 Kovac, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 14 Balzaretti, 16 Camoranesi, 17 Trezeguet, 18 Mutu, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 23 Giannichedda, 25 Zalayeta, 28 Cannavaro, 32 Abbiati
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