++ [ originally posted by Gandalf ] ++
it might.. but, it's not like a rule or something.. beside, what moral boost could come from beating Udinesi before playing real..?? seriously..?
in the contrary.. I think if we keep screwing up till Real's game.. that will give Real an bad impression and they will come easy on us.. from pre-match mentality-preparing point of view..
even if they didn't, our situation will leave the players with no execuses.. and give them more responsibilities towards the club and their fans.. which will result in a more than 100% performance from all the players.. cuz it will be their last chance to bring back their fans' trust..
it can be double-edged weapon, actually...
A win will make the players more confident and motivated. Rite now our players seem to be playing aimlessly, even the 2-0 win against Atalanta doesn't seem convincing to me. We can't afford to screw up against Udinese, or else we would be making a fool out of ourselves against Real.
Even though I agree wad u said about Real, but I don't think Real will underestimate us as well. Remember we were the team that wiped Real out of the 2002-2003 CL semi-finals, and they will be back for revenge. So I think they will be more desired to wipe us out and play with full determination.
I'm worried that our players will not be confident enough, and plus that weak now, we r surely put in a huge disadvantage against other teams. Udinese is a tricky team which plays quick football, with Iaquinta + Di Natali pressurizing on us and Di Sanctis, a tough keeper. So IMO this might be a comeback match for Juve.