Tough times in Turin

April 26, 1999
Juventus Official Site

Luciano Moggi has urged everyone to put into perspective the bitter disappointment of Juventus' Champions League defeat against Manchester United.

General manager Moggi summed up an uncertain season, saying that after more than four years of success even Juventus can be allowed to fail once in a while.

"We have been through a strange season, beset by problems," explained Moggi.

"Juventus have been given a hard time by everything and everybody. Everything started in May."

First there was the referee scandal in the controversial match with Inter, Zeman's accusations of drug taking, plus serious injuries suffered by a group of players still full of potential.

"Forecasts for next year? Zidane staying," said Moggi with noticeable conviction. A signature on Zizou's contract ties the French midfielder to the Bianconeri until the 2004.

As for Alessandro Del Piero's future, however, Moggi remains guarded.

"There is a real danger negotiations will not be concluded, but not because of Del Piero himself but thanks to the Bosman Law, which allows the players not restricted by contract to choose their destination," he said.

From this we can perhaps assume that Alex is soon to leave the Delle Alpi without too many obstacles.

For months various companies have been negotiating with the fantasy-maker's lawyers. A possible move to Spain - where his image would be a boom for potential sponsors - has been mentioned. But it could take the star too far away from the actual business of playing football and turn him into little more than a marketing gimmick.

Back to the club as a whole, Moggi insisted Juve have a great squad in place which the owners do not intend to interfere with.

"It is an excellent team, it just needs a little tuning but there will not be any major surprises," he explained.

Carlo Ancelotti agreed and now has the difficult task of putting Juventus back at the top where they belong.

"I have at my disposal a team of exceptional quality," said the coach. "My Juve does not need any transformation."

As for the Man United match Ancelotti raised a smile and added: "I concede that they, the English, won the match. There is no time to look back, we must stay with the championship and reach fourth place that will allow us to stay in Europe and make up for lost time next year.

"I believe that the team, after this bitter defeat, will have a positive reaction." And so it proved against Fiorentina.
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