Alex's viewpoint

August 1st, 2001
Juventus Official Site

Just two days before the start of the Moretti Beer Trophy, Alex Del Piero has commented on the new Juve that is taking shape: "The new plans are going well - he stated - This Friday could be said to mark the end of the first period of pre-season training, in which a lot of hard physical work is done, and in which the results obtained in friendly matches serve only to boost morale, with the real priority being the breaking-in and adjusting to new tactical ideas that we are trying. After this the more difficult tasks begin, and it will be important to make as few mistakes as possible."

The process of adapting to a new style of play is still in progress, for as Alex explains: "It is necessay to keep in mind the fact that we have been forced to change a style of play that we have been used to following for the last five years. Lippi has told us that we have to be receptive to these changes, as for example happened against Cesena, looking to find the right mix of tactics for each situation. I believe that at the moment, the coach's objective is to use the players in the roles most suited to them. For this, it is normal that some players may have to adapt to new positions or ideas."

Such as for Alex to play as a trequarterista, in the hole behind the front two? "I have never thought to play a whole season in that position, but certainly in some particular situations it could happen that I play there. We, the players, must be ready to adapt to new positions, whenever Lippi decides to try o ne of the different solutions available to him."

The friendlies played in July have suggested that the big clubs are all starting with great competitiveness and determination. Del Piero commented: "From what I have seen, I would agree. Despite the fatigue that you feel in pre-season, all the big clubs seem determined to win trophies, and you see this from the competitiveness with whichthey have been playing".

One of the most prestigious of the pre-season tournaments is the Birra Morretti competition, played between Juve, Lazio and Inter. As Del Piero states: "In these matches, you will start to see some really competitive football, even though we are all still working intensively on the main objective of preparing for the new season".
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