Capello has Liverpool concerns
Saturday 9 April, 2005
Fabio Capello admits Juve’s defensive worries are a concern for the Liverpool game, while Fiorentina can’t believe they failed to win tonight.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two goals in the spectacular 3-3 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, ending a goal drought lasting almost two months.
“Ibrahimovic angered me because he is always dangerous when he receives in the area, so I didn’t understand why he insisted on coming back to get the ball,” revealed Capello. “He proved tonight just what he can do and he’s very difficult to mark.”
The Bianconeri fought back three times to eventually grab a point and Capello switched to a 3-4-3 system for the second half.
“I believed the half-time substitutions were the right choice, as to win you need to take a few risks, and we had an excellent second half. The fact that we came back three times is psychologically important, but so is the fact the team showed passion, determination and character in a difficult situation.”
There is a worrying trend in that two of the goals conceded were headers and Capello admits that could be a problem in the Champions’ League encounter with Liverpool on Wednesday.
“We were lacking something in the air today compared to Fiorentina, but when a cross comes in like that and you’re not in position, there’s precious little you can do. Liverpool are an excellent squad that defends with a great deal of attention, while they are always dangerous on set-pieces. Unfortunately, we are a bit short on height at the moment, if you excuse the pun.”
Dino Zoff witnessed the best Viola performance of his reign, but emerged with just one point at the end of a thrilling match.
“Mistakes can happen, but it isn’t easy to swallow this result after going ahead three times. Hopefully we will learn from our errors eventually,” said the former Juve man.
Zoff was the best goalkeeper of his generation, so it must have been particularly galling to see Sebastian Cejas give away the first goal with a howler.
“When you’re a goalkeeper, the important thing is to get the ball, so style doesn’t really matter. The psychological status of a shot-stopper has always been crucial, as there is more pressure on him than anyone else.”
There were scuffles outside the Stadio Franchi before the game, but the team managed to pour the intense rivalry into a positive performance.
“These games are always dangerous because there is the risk tensions will spill over, so I tried to keep the team relaxed and not pile more pressure on them. This is football, not a war zone,” said Zoff.