Capello faces defensive crisis Friday 23 September, 2005
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Fabio Capello concedes that injuries have left him with a defensive conundrum, but Adrian Mutu is set to be unleashed against his former Parma teammates tomorrow.
“We are fine in attack and in midfield, but our problems could arise at the back,” explained the Coach. “Lilian Thuram and Robert Kovac are still recovering, Jonathan Zebina is out, while Alessandro Birindelli is a long-term absentee. I’ll have to work out who can play.”
Gianluca Pessotto has returned to the fray following his setback, but despite the crisis Juve maintain the joint strongest defensive record in Serie A, as Livorno and the Bianconeri have only conceded one in four games.
“With so many fixtures on at the moment, a Coach must rotate the squad, especially if we consider many of our players are also internationals. Thankfully, it’s good to have a choice and I hope it’ll always be like that.”
One of the benchwarmers who could be given the chance to shine this weekend is Adrian Mutu, who returns to face his former club for the first time since his move to Chelsea.
“Mutu is doing well and this could be his turn,” admitted Capello. “I have some ideas on how to use him in the team and it isn’t easy to leave out people like him and Marcelo Zalayeta. This year we have many matches and those who aren’t happy with spending some time on the bench can talk to the club and request a transfer. There will be room for everyone, including Alessandro Del Piero.”
The Turin giants have drawn at the Stadio Tardini for the last two years running and Parma haven’t won here since 2002.
“The Stadio Tardini is always a difficult place to play in. Parma have players of great quality and I don’t think they have any major weaknesses. Everyone raises their game when they face Juventus, so we’ll have to be very focused.”
The reigning Serie A Champions have the opportunity to maintain their 100 per cent record and further extend their lead over Inter and Milan.
“This is a great team, one of the best I’ve had at my disposal in my career,” said Capello. “Right now, this is a truly super squad.”
Juventus squad: Chiellini, Vieira, Kovac, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Balzaretti, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Mutu, Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Giannichedda, Olivera, Zalayeta, Cannavaro, Abbiati
source: channel4.com