Ranieri: We can't carry on like this
Sunday 17 May, 2009
Claudio Ranieri confirms Juventus “can't carry on like this and have to wake up,” but claims he is “99 per cent” sure of keeping his job next season.
The Bianconeri could've closed up on Milan following yesterday's defeat at Udinese, but instead they are just one point clear of Fiorentina.
“It's true, we wasted an opportunity and it was a very strange game, not just because we were playing without the fans,” he said of the 2-2 draw with Atalanta.
“It was strange because we could've won or lost. We hit the bar twice, they did it three times and both teams had chances to score. It was open to any result.
“We wasted a very important opportunity to close in on second place, but we have to keep believing. We have both the chance to catch Milan and be caught by Fiorentina, who are now just a point away.
“One thing is for sure - we have to wake up, because we cannot continue like this.”
Once again Juventus were leaking goals and it was a return to the dismal performances of recent weeks.
“We concede when we are not good at getting back into position. Against Milan we managed to do that and everyone admired the squad, but today we returned to old ways,” sighed Ranieri.
“I expected to repeat the Milan performance and thought we'd be determined, united and leaving our opponents with little space. Instead like the other games we were too soft and sluggish.
“I am aware we're not playing well and took a step back today. It's the last two rounds and we have a huge amount to play for.
“I hope we can realise what it is we're dealing with here, as we could finish second, third or even fourth. If we end up fourth it'll mean losing many players for the Confederation Cup, starting the season early for the preliminary rounds and everything that comes with that.
“There is also the pride of being in the top two for most of the season and then risk losing it all at the end.”
Ranieri was asked of the reports in this morning's edition of Tuttosport that he was headed for Roma in exchange for Luciano Spalletti.
“Tuttosport know everything first, don't they? So I expect they're right again…” he replied sarcastically.
“The media have all the offers and bring them to me, but I never seem to receive any of them.
“I am 99 per cent sure of staying on the Juventus bench.”