Emerson distances Milan Saturday 22 January, 2005
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Emerson insists leaders Juventus are not afraid of Milan closing the gap, but Gianluca Zambrotta is out of tomorrow’s match with Brescia.
“We are not afraid of the Rossoneri,” assured the Brazilian after their lead was cut to two points. “We respect them and although they believe they are the best, we have the same confidence in our own potential.”
There have been some visible chinks in Juve’s armour over the last few weeks, conceding avoidable late goals to draw at Parma and Cagliari.
“It is always comforting to be at the top of the table, but we know that there is no more margin for error. These two points can be crucial, as I recall when I was at Roma we lost the Scudetto to Juve by one.”
Emerson was on target with his first Serie A goal for the Bianconeri in Cagliari last week, though he has also been suffering the strains of their packed calendar.
“It’s a shame about that late goal, as we didn’t have time to get back into it. For a little while I wasn’t able to train properly,” he explained, “but I have recovered from that shaky period. I am now ready and able to work for the team in whichever way Fabio Capello requires.”
Several other players have fitness worries at the moment, as Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessio Tacchinardi are not expected to even be on the bench for Sunday’s match with Brescia. The fullback is struggling with a calf strain, while the midfielder bruised his wrist during the Coppa Italia exit to Atalanta.
“A team cannot always be at the top of its game throughout a season,” noted ‘Il Puma’. “Despite only drawing at Cagliari, we did prove that we are on form and still on top of the table. I think people enjoy putting Juve down.”
Alessandro Del Piero should get back into the starting eleven alongside David Trezeguet, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be allowed to rest.
“Everyone wants to play and Del Piero trains hard every day to improve. Capello has always been great with star players, as he makes his choices based on the good of the team and talks to his men. He’s not as tough a Coach as people like to make out.”
source: channel4.com
More and more ppl speaking from 2 sides