Ranieri 'irritated' by Tiago
Claudio Ranieri admits he is “disappointed and irritated” at Tiago Mendes’ outburst, but believes Sunday’s opponents Genoa can qualify for Europe.
The Juventus boss was inevitably called upon to comment on Tiago’s threats to walk out of the club if he was not given more first team football ahead of the January transfer window.
“I was very irritated, as these are things that hurt the squad. I didn’t like it, I was disappointed and he just has to react,” said the Coach.
“In difficult moments, champions have that extra gear to react. I wanted his signing, but in my team I play whoever is in best shape. I don’t look at age, price-tags or wages. I pick who makes a team and the other 15 who go on the bench or in the stands will be disappointed, but they don’t blast people in public.”
Tiago was one of the big summer signings for the Bianconeri, but has barely stepped on to the field and this week accused Ranieri of making him “fourth choice” for the midfield.
“We had an exchange of ideas, but these things remain in the locker room. And with that, the Tiago issue is over,” snipped the former Chelsea tactician.
Another 'problem’ player has now ended the speculation, as Alessandro Del Piero penned a new contract holding him to the Turin side until 2010 with reduced wages by over 20 per cent.
“Alex is a guide for me. When I say that the new players are fitting in to the path set by the old guard, Del Piero is the standard bearer, so his contract renewal was very important. This is the right spirit that they are all setting for the new figures.”
On Sunday evening Juve resume their Serie A campaign against Genoa, another club that was promoted in the summer and has been doing remarkably well.
“After the 3-0 opening defeat to Milan, they really turned it around with three consecutive victories. They are organised, pressure opponents, play one or two-touch football. It’s a good squad.
“We seem to be taking on teams during their best period of form. That was the situation with Roma, Fiorentina and now Genoa. They are promoted like us, but are doing very well and if we can aim for a Champions League spot, then they can go for the UEFA Cup.”
Vincenzo Iaquinta will not be taking part in the Sunday evening game due to injury that also forced him out of international duty midweek.
“We can still field a trident attack, but you all know I only decide the night before the match. We have to evaluate a few things and I don’t want to give Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini the opportunity to prepare ahead of time.”
It is believed that Under-21 international Raffaele Palladino will take over in the trident attack along with Del Piero and David Trezeguet.
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