Juve fans defend Deschamps
Sunday 27 May, 2007
Juventus’ split with Coach Didier Deschamps has infuriated sections of the Ultras, who suggest the club has been “shameful.”
For several weeks there has been strong speculation over Deschamps’ future on the bench and late last night the official confirmation arrived that he had terminated his contract “by mutual consent.”
It is widely believed the reason was that he disagreed with the transfer strategy put into action by director of sport Alessio Secco, publicly criticising potential new signings such as Giandomenico Mesto and Vincenzo Iaquinta.
The fans made their support for DD clear during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Mantova at the Stadio Olimpico and went further when 100 of them applauded him outside the hotel where the squad was staying.
The Ultras group released a statement bitterly reprimanding the club for their treatment of the former midfielder.
“We believe in Deschamps. We believe that the club mistreated him and can only thank this man. He is the great Didi, a real man, professional and Juventino.
“We ask the owners to take serious action against the current Board of Directors, who are shaming us on the world stage and muddying 109 years of glorious history.”
The supporters also made it very clear they would not accept the return of Fabio Capello, who was rumoured to be making a comeback by the Spanish media.
Instead the Italian Press suggests that World Cup winner Marcello Lippi will be the one to come back to Turin, bringing Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro with him.
Deschamps also found support from Inter Coach Roberto Mancini. “He took Juventus to promotion three rounds early despite a nine-point penalty. What more could they ask for? I think he has been very harshly treated.