Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus insist that Antonio Conte will continue as Coach, but he won’t have Zlatan Ibrahimovic at his disposal next season.
Juventus insist that Antonio Conte will continue as Coach, but he won’t have Zlatan Ibrahimovic at his disposal next season.
Conte raised doubts about his future on Sunday after being criticised for his actions at the end of the 2-0 win over Bologna.
“It was a post-match comment,” director general Beppe Marotta told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport on Monday.
“Conte is a great Coach and I hope he will remain at Juventus for a long time to come.
“I understand that not everyone is like Alex Ferguson, but I am convinced that we will have him with us for many more years.”
The tactician also spoke after the game about the hostile climate that continually awaits his side when they travel in Serie A.
“The situation is deteriorating,” Marotta commented. “When we play away from home we are always escorted by armoured police.
“It seems as if we have gone back in time to the Roman arenas where there were gladiators. The world of football alone can do little, it is a matter of culture.”
Turning to on the field matters, Marotta was confident of Scudetto success – but admitted it may be more difficult in the Champions League with Bayern Munich next.
“We are very well placed in the League, but there are still 27 points on offer. We are aware of our ability, so there is optimism.
“We have created a model club and squad. There is a Coach who is hungry, as well as the players. Everybody plays with enthusiasm and knowledge of wearing an important jersey.
“When it comes to the Champions League you are talking about a tournament, not a championship. Often luck plays a major role. Think about Chelsea last year.
“We are happy to be back on the European stage and we hope that fortune will be with us.”
Marotta also justified the January capture of Nicolas Anelka, who has hardly played, and ruled out a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahimovic.
“Anelka was a free signing, we had Nicklas Bendtner injured and we wanted to strengthen the offensive department in anticipation of possible injuries.
“The operation was relevant but does not burden the future. It was linked to a contingency plan.
“Ibra? Pavel Nedved made a technical comment about him. This assessment is one that we may agree with, but his parameters are not in line with ours. He will not be a Juventus player.”