Ambitions were high ahead of the season as Juventus once again prepared to battle on three fronts; the league, the Coppa Italia and the glorious Champions League.
Last week Lazio defeated the Bianconeri with a total of 3-1 in the Coppa Italia semi finals and sent the Turinclub crashing out of their last shot at silverware.
While they exited the Champions League against Chelsea with their heads held high after giving the Blues a real run for their money the same can hardly be said for the Coppa exit. The performance against Lazio, the second leg in particular, was a pathetic display of football and there is no doubt in my mind that the Bianocelesti deserve their place in the finals against Sampdoria.
Juventus has been hailed in the Peninsula this season due to their exciting mix of promising youngsters. In the second leg against Lazio Claudio Ranieri fielded no less than four products from the clubs youth academy but considering that the Coppa was Juventus’ last shot at glory it was hardly the time to experiment from Tinkerman’s side.
Putting the poor tactical choices aside, I want to know what has happened to the team’s renowned winning mentality.
Juventus is a top club but by the looks of the displays on the pitch it seems the players have lost the hunger, aggressiveness and strength. It is not the defeats or the draws in themselves that frustrates the Juventus angry these days; it’s the players’ approach and attitudes to the games that makes one question what they’re actually doing on the field.
There has been much criticism aimed towards Claudio Ranieri for his lack of passion on the sidelines and many question whether or not he really is the right man to guide a team like Juventus. At times it has been painfully obvious that the former Chelsea manager hasn’t able to motivate his players and what would one really expect when he seems to accept defeat without a second thought?
Imagine the fear in the Manchester United and Inter locker rooms just after they’ve lost a game? I hardly think that Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho lets their players get away with a pat on the shoulder.
While many agree with the criticism, others say he has done well considering the mediocre squad he has at his disposal – although none can really defend his sometimes questionable tinkering.
This obviously touches on another sore point – the squad and the sporting director Alessio Secco. Last summer’s player market activity yielded a handful of mediocre players that wouldn’t normally even be warming the benches in other top European clubs – yet he received a contract extension not long ago.
The fans have reached their boiling point and have showcased their displeasure over how the club is managed on several occasions in the last couple of weeks by staging demonstrations outside of the training grounds as well as the Juventus headquarters.
Things got from bad to worse in the fan camp as according to the latest reports from Turin it seems that former Juventus centre back Fabio Cannavaro is set to make a return. Despite heavy criticism from the supporters it seems that the move is most likely going to go through.
There are raging debates over what changes need to be made ahead of the next season and the general opinion seems to be that both Ranieri and the entire Juventus board should be replaced. Whether or not that is the best way to cope with the club’s issues remain to be seen but if they don’t change their attitude to a more competitive one, it’s hardly going to change for the better next season.
Juventus returned to the top flight two seasons ago the excuse of the team “being under construction” is getting old. Nobody expected the Bianconeri to win the Scudetto in their first season back in Serie A or a Champions League final in the following one. But they have to do better than this. Juventus need to reclaim their renowned winning mentality – their identity. After all, they are a top club – even if they aren’t really acting like one at the moment.
I think the main problem they have is Claudio Ranieri. I’ve always felt like he’s a good manager but he’s not a winner and I dont think he can take them to the next level.
Rafa did well with Valencia following Ranieri’s stint, as did Mourinho with Chelsea. Maybe someone needs to come into to follow the good work Ranieri has done and finish the job off – his contract runs out in 2010, I don’t think he’ll see it out.
Posted by Steven Jones | 1 May, 2009, 10:36Do you know who is ultimately responsible for transfers? Their have been some questionable purchases in recent years, like you say introducing mediocre players to an ageing squad.
With one or two choice acquisitions, hopefully Diego who looks an excellent player and one other, they have the makings of a very good side. If you were given the money, where would you look to strengthen?
Posted by Steve Atkinson | 1 May, 2009, 12:38I believe it’s Alessio Secco and how he received a contract extension after last year’s purchases I do not now. If I were give the money to spend freely I would go with at least two new defenders, a midfielder and if Trezeguet leaves, obviously another forward. Also I would like to see Giovinco as a regular. What that kid is doing on the bench is beyond me. And I would throw in a new coach in the mix as well (yesterday’s game kind of decided my feelings towards Ranieri).
Posted by Marzia Hazra | 4 May, 2009, 18:44Steven,
After what has been going on these past couple of weeks, I would have to agree with you. Juventus supporters are demanding action and rightfully so. Even though I like him as a person, he simply isn’t the man to lead a club like Juventus. For Ranieri to call this season fantastic is immensely stupid. He needs to step aside after this season.
Posted by Marzia Hazra | 4 May, 2009, 18:53Giovinco looks quality, have seen Juve a few times this season and he’s looked lively each time. Which players would you like to actually see there though? What do the fans make of Amauri?
Who would you take from Newcastle, you can have them all if you like?
Posted by Steve Atkinson | 6 May, 2009, 15:43Steve,
Haha I really don’t know if I’d take any of them to Juventus. I hear Diego is edging closer and with him in the team Ranieri will have to go with a new system (either that or he’s already out of next season). He’s obviously a brilliant player and I think he could take Juventus’ game up another level. By the looks of things Fabio Cannavaro is set for a return and despite it being a rather short term solution to the shaky center defense, it’s a start. Besides, he’s free. I haven’t really picked out my other defender yet but I would love to see Lavezzi in the Juve-shirt.
I don’t really know what the fans make of Amauri, but i like him. He can be a bit annoying at times when he starts sulking around and so, but most of the time he does rather well. He scored a lot of important goals during the first half of the season but his form has dipped after the injury. I’m sure he’ll bounce back soon though.
Posted by Marzia Hazra | 9 May, 2009, 16:42I like Amauri, he seems to strike the ball true under pressure, and has many strengths to his game. I know Iaquinta scored a massive goal at the weekend but on the whole I don’t see him as the answer for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Perhaps a move for Sergio Aguero, who is apparently unsettled at Atletico Madrid would be interesting? That would mean you’d leave Lavezzi alone too, which would make me happy.
Centre-half is a difficult one though, Cannavaro is still quality but as you say a very short-term solution. Maybe Juve need to break the bank once on a young emerging talent like Bassong, Mertesacker or Garay?
What is Ekdal like? Heard some rumours he is a massive prospect.
Posted by Steve Atkinson | 11 May, 2009, 09:58