by None Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:27 am
“Off to Modena to reclaim top spot”
After spending Saturday as onlookers the Bianconeri are finally ready to return to action. Monday sees them travel to Modena for a game of vital importance, particularly after Napoli’s win this weekend which has provisionally taken them back to the top of the table. Deschamps knows what to ask from his team: “Winning would take us back to the top, but more importantly we’d extend our lead over the third placed team, Piacenza, who we play next Sunday. I don’t like playing when I know what the other teams have done, there’s always the risk of negative pressure”.
The team has been working well all week, as Deschamps confirmed: “Unlike the trip to Vicenza, this time we know the date of the game, we’ve had a lot of time to prepare for it and to get back our injured players. Particularly in defence, the situation there has improved a great deal. Boumsong’s been working with the whole squad, Zebina did well last Saturday, as did Chiellini. Finally I have choices to make and I’m able to give a rest to those players who’ve seen a lot of action. Nedved? He’s fine. He’s essential to us as the statistics demonstrate. Mentally and from the point of view of team spirit he’s perfect for the team and for the coach. His desire and hunger to win are infectious”.
At the Braglia on Saturday, Juventus are once again up against a team who have just changed coaches, with Bortolo Mutti in to replace Zoratto: “There’s been a change of coach, but I don’t think the team will change all that much – Deschamps concluded – As a team Modena like to have a go and they don’t just set themselves out to defend. That’s how they played against us earlier this season and they played well against Genoa in their last game, despite defeat. They’re an organised outfit and they deserve more points than they have right now”.
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