Capello tinkering hits Trez
Saturday 25 September, 2004
Fabio Capello couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Juventus career, but the Coach is set to drop top scorer David Trezeguet for the Palermo game.
“Squad rotation is essential to maintain everyone’s fitness levels and not exhaust players quickly,” explained the Coach.
The majority of the changes have been upfront, where he has consistently chopped and changed between Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Del Piero and Trezeguet. It looks likely the Frenchman will be the one on the bench this evening despite netting four goals in three games.
“I realise we are doing well,” he noted after three wins on the trot, “but we mustn’t think that we’re perfect. There are many elements that need improving and everyone will have the chance to play this season.”
The team is almost unrecognisable from the one that conceded 42 goals in the last campaign, but Capello insists it is not all his doing.
“We have been able to get some important players back on track, such as Lilian Thuram. To get good results you need two elements: one that explains what he requires and another who listens and acts upon it.”
The Bianconeri’s chances of making it four in a row were boosted by the loss of Palermo hitman Luca Toni to a thigh injury, but the former Milan and Roma boss is not getting carried away with his optimism.
“I said before the season had even begun that the three teams to watch would be Fiorentina, Palermo and Udinese. We’ll be taking on the latter two over the next week and to win a Scudetto you can’t drop points along the way.”
“I will continue to repeat that Juventus must have humility, determination and concentration,” concluded Capello. “This is our credo for the whole season.”
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Guidolin: We don't need Toni
Saturday 25 September, 2004
Palermo’s chances of getting something off Juve were hit by Luca Toni’s injury, but Francesco Guidolin remains confident.
“Every Coach would like to go into each game with a full squad to choose from,” he noted, “but this time that won’t be the case. Nothing will change tactically and we will still go to Turin looking to pick up points.”
The Rosanero may be in the top flight for the first time in 30 years, but their lack of reverence has already grabbed a 1-1 draw away to Inter.
“We have to approach this game in the right way, as a team that is able to challenge for a result with the right amount of humility, but also realises that in terms of pure quality it is inferior to Juventus.”
The Bianconeri are seemingly unstoppable at the moment after scoring eight goals and keeping three consecutive clean sheets, while in Toni Palermo have lost their only goalscorer.
There will be changes for the Sicilians, as Biava returns from suspension to shore up the defence, while Argentine Ernesto Antonio Farias gets his Serie A debut in place of Toni.
“This is my chance to prove what I can give to Palermo,” said the excited 24-year-old forward. “I’d love to score a decisive goal in this game, as up until now I haven’t really been able to show the fans what I am capable of.”
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