Moggi answers Juve critics Sunday 17 April, 2005
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Director General Luciano Moggi has used Juve’s newfound Serie A leadership to hit back at those who suggested the club had miscalculated this campaign.
“We now have the opportunity to work with an advantage over Milan, but the Scudetto race is far from over,” warned the transfer guru after they went three points clear at the top.
The Bianconeri had been bitterly criticised in the Italian Press this week after their sluggish European exit at the hands of Liverpool, but came back to beat Lecce 5-2 this afternoon.
“After the Champions’ League elimination we went back to a performance like the one you all saw today. The players proved what a great side this is and how mentally strong they are to react to this setback.”
Moggi was one of the main club representatives blamed for their Champions’ League slip because of the lack of quality alternatives available to Fabio Capello.
“The Juventus bench is as full as it needs to be and that should be evident by the fact we’re clear at the top of the table despite having David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved out for most of the campaign,” insisted Moggi.
“Stephen Appiah is one of our squad players, yet we are inundated with offers for his services from Italy and England. Now it’s fashionable for people to say you need at least two whole line-ups, but there are other clubs with three entire sides who have been left behind.”
Adrian Mutu has already been snapped up and there are strong reports that Shabani Nonda and Robert Kovac also have deals in the bag, but Moggi is keeping tight-lipped.
“Juve have some talented youth team players – such as Masiello – who are breaking through and will make their mark next year.”