ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Juventus FC - Clearance Sale

Posted by Sumeet Paul on 03/25/2010

There is a cycle of events in every club’s existence which will define their legacy. This Juventus has become one of the most disastrous in recent history, and this summer will mark a pivotal moment as to what will be recorded in the history books in the years to come.

Juventini in Turin and beyond will be desperately searching for the solution to such a devastating predicament; however there is neither a one-man resolution nor a one-way answer to solve the troubles at the Stadio Olimpico. What is needed is a clear-out of epic proportion, starting from the top to bottom.

The first task will be to appoint a manager who can pick up from where Alberto Zaccheroni will leave the side, and restore all pride. The much-touted Cesare Prandelli would be an idyllic choice, a coach with confirmed qualities and unfinished business on the big stage. This approach would be the ideal foundation to build a squad upon, to assemble a side full of energetic, elegant and talented youngsters all with a bright future ahead of them and something to prove. Prime examples of such individuals include a rumoured summer signing, Giampaolo Pazzini. After being deemed surplus to requirements at Fiorentina, Pazzini has become Sampdoria’s top scorer and a sure-fire member of the Azzurri squad travelling to South Africa. His replacement, Alberto Gilardino fits into a similar mould, after leaving Milan he was judged a failure, yet he has now silenced the critics with his incredible goal scoring record.

Cesare Prandelli - Could he be the next Juve manager? ©Getty Images

This is where the Bianconeri failed last summer. Instead of investing on such players, they chose to bring the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso back to Serie A. These two individuals added to an already aging squad, most of whom have achieved everything there is to achieve and are happy to play out their contracts. With players such as Jonathan Zebina, Nicola Legrottaglie, Hasan Salihamidzic to name but a few still playing a part in this squad, coupled with the at times infuriating attacking trio of Amauri, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Mauro Camoranesi who when fit have failed to make any real impact this season, there is no way forward. It is time to shed the old, and introduce a new ethos to the club. The question is, who would want to join a side engulfed in such a huge crisis.

Depending on the league standings come May, it will be imperative to Juve’s cause to hold on to key players such as Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Diego. Together with Claudio Marchisio, Sebastian Giovinco and others, they are the future of the club. It is around these individuals that Juve will be able to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours in the forthcoming seasons. However, if they fail to overcome their stubbornness, and the board members continue in this vein, then perhaps the absence of Juventus Football Club from the Champions League and even the Europa League will become a more regular fixture.

Comments

Posted by Lea Di Pasquale on 03/26/2010

Juve needs to win and win next year, 'cause my mum and brother are inter milan fans and I need to get them off my back! Luv you juve!!!!!!!!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 03/26/2010

It's really a shame what is happening to Juve. Simply stated: the team was not put together well. What happened to Diego? The first few games of the season he looked like the second coming of Maradona, and now he a shadow of his former self. Felipe Melo - has done virtually nothing to warrant his hefty price tag. Sometimes misses elementary passes, too many mistakes, too many turnovers..

Grygera alone has cost Juve 6 points. The goalkeeper situation is unfortunate, and mostly unlucky.

Posted by Michael on 03/26/2010

I think the first one to go should be Blanc.

Posted by Stefano on 03/27/2010

Vattene Secco!! Bettega can lock Blanc up in the finance office. He's done a credible job but he must be forbidden

untouchables: Buffon (at least for the next few seasons), Chiellini, Marchisio, Giovinco (depends on the next coach), Del Piero (one more season before retirement)

out the door 100%: Grygera, Melo + loanees like Molinaro, Tiago, Almiron

Posted by o'bedlam on 03/27/2010

i don't know what to think anymore. week after week is beyond upsetting to me. so many rumors about who wants to leave, who might leave, and who wants to stay. tiago doesn't want to come back, and he can stay in crappy atletico madrid for all i care. juve has to foster young talent. there is the future of the club. if not, we are in a world of trouble.

Posted by Ray on 03/27/2010

It's sad to see Juventus end up with this embarrassing situation. I think Juventus needs a throughout reform including replacing most (if not all) players, there are just too many oldies cannot compete physically and mentally. Del Piero was once a symbol of Juventus's skillful football but at this age he couldn't do much. It has to be forward looking, its hard but tradition will only be a burden if performance cannot keep up.

Posted by Ophola, Johannesburg on 03/28/2010

Everything has been going wrong with Juve this season. From injuries to incompetent leaders.

Can someone tell me why Giovinco never gets played? That young man has potential of being the world footballer of the year after 2 seasons.

Forza Juventus,
O..

Posted by Juve*** on 03/29/2010

I agree the future of the club begins with Chiellini, Diego, Marchisio, and Giovinco but it also needs inlcude Melo.

Yes Melo got off to a poor start, but that’s not unusual for a new player fitting into new team/system. Actually it is to be expected. However watching Juve it’s clear that Melo is one of the most talented players on Juve's side, Arsene Wenger (one of the best coaches in the game) confirms his talent.

His play of late has been much better and i think he's doing a great job of fighting/winning the ball in midfield, stopping opposition’s offensive progress, and transition/supporting Juve in its offensive attack. Isn’t that what he was brought in to do? I see him having a great end to this year and fabulous season next year.

To me Juve's problems are in the back. We need a world class Right Fullback and Central Defender to support Chiellini. Young skillful forward and midfielder that play with excetional pace need to be considered as well.

Posted by Stefano on 03/29/2010

Ophola: We Juve fans are just as dumbfounded. Ranieri put his faith in Marchisio last season and the lad is already a senior international (deservedly) with a good chance of making the WC squad. Strangely, he didn't do the same with Giovinco (or De Ceglie for that matter) and Ciro benched Gio after a bad game or two.

Posted by david on 03/29/2010

juventus,juventus,juventus...a club which i love so much has dissapointed me once again..juventus problem starts from the goalkeepers,manniger and chimenti are not good for the club we need a replacement.then the defence to me isnt that bad it just needs a little bit of changes.zebina,grosso and gregera,should be sold..i dnt blame the attackers as the midfield isnt getting there job done.if theer is noo midfield how dos the attack function.love you juventus and i vote blanc or napoli coach to take over...juventus for life

Posted by Il Arturo on 04/01/2010

I have been drowning my sorrows in stracciatella gelato. The problem is that my favorite gelateria is Mesa, Arizona is owned by an Inter fan who never lets me forget what has happened to Juve this year. Let's all look forward to the rest of the season, because Juve will redeem itself and even beat Inter in their coming meeting. We will end up in the top 4 at least.

Posted by Ka|ze[R] on 04/02/2010

yeah.. i think juve should offload player such as cannavaro,zebina,grosso,grygera and amauri..this player to old for high standard game nowadays..bianconeri should give more chance to youngster like giovinco,ceglie,marchisio and probably call back criscito to lead the club back to the glory..another big signing such as pazzini,vargas,eden hazard(probably),montolivo will be a good addition to the squad..hope to see juve back on track next season..remember we are king of euro in 90's..lets bring back the glory for juve next season..forza juve..the great old lady will be back next season..hope so..

Posted by Dan on 04/04/2010

Not only do a variety of players (Amauri, Grosso, Cannavaro, Melo, others) need to go, but so do the directors of football that bought them. Juve over the last many seasons has gotten into the habit of buying formerly-good dinosaurs (i.e. Grosso, Cannavaro) and players who have one fairly good season at a smaller club, but who ultimately have little pedigree (i.e. Melo, Amauri). Juve fails to invest in long term quality, and as a fan I'm immensely disappointed, because Juve used to be able to invest in real potential (Zidane) and well-tested quality (Platini, Nedved). I hope the summer will be a wisely spent one.

Posted by Roberto on 04/05/2010

Juve are in dire need of changes and an injection of youth ahd talent. Many of the players should not have been signed and whole sale changes are needed but not possible. Unfortunately players such as Amauri, Zebina, Poulsen, Melo, Diego, to name only a few, are all overpaid and must go; however, Juve will not find any real takers for such a class (or lack thereof) of players. Too many times we have given away solid young homegrown players who are excelling in Serie A for other clubs. Unfortunately, Juve will most likely be blinded by the "injury bug" that has plagued us, and the powers that be will not see the lack of talent or ability in the squad. The team should be built around Buffon (even though he has been woefully out of form at times he is still great), Chiellini, Giovinco, Candreva and Marchisio. The rest should be looked at long and hard and sold if possible or released. It will not be easy but we are not capable of winning with this team now so why not rebuild.

Posted by Ben on 04/05/2010

I think the first thing to do is focus on how we got to where we are. The biggest thing missing from last year is the kind of creativity and dominance that Pavel Nedved provided on the wing. On a larger scale, I'd like to see a firm vision of the style of play that we want to express. At this point, I don't even care what that is, we just need to get players that can work together. I just don't see the current squad ever being totally on the same page.

Posted by Daniella Stornelli on 04/05/2010

The current board needs to go. Bring back Moggi & Giraudo along with Lippi or Capello. Only then will Juve get back on track. I agree with also replenishing the current squad with younger players.

Posted by stephen on 04/08/2010

I totally agree with Ben. It seems like there is a lack of chemistry between the players. Also, as I always stated in me comments, Pavel Nedved seems ever more irreplaceable. There is no real help coming from the center of the pitch. Is it possible to call back Pavel from retirement until we get a suitable replacement/s?? Anyway, I think Seba should be helpful in the center. True he is small, but I think his speed and youth vigor can compensate.

Juventus still have my heart, they're just breaking it right now.....JUVEFOREVER

Posted by bayu satrio on 04/08/2010

I think Juve's biggest problem is not the players. But the club in whole. From Platini, Baggio, Zidane, Nedved and Now Del Piero...Juve always be the best. Juve must bring 'lo spirito' back to the club. The Players must believe in the club greatness so they will become great too. Buffon and Del Piero have it. Diego must learn from them so he will become the next icon. Melo is a fighter also marchisio and Chiellini. You are all in the right club and will be the best. I think Juve really need good coach with great mentality and character. Give him enough room and space and then Juve will be back among the best. Forza Juve!

Posted by Rocco on 04/09/2010

They have the young talent but they are scared to use them. What they have been doing is clearly not working, so why not change things up?Candreva and Giovinco have incredible play making capabilities yet they are rarely on the field together, if at all. Then when they do put them on they are misused. They play Giovinco on the left and he goes stretches of time where he doesn't see the ball. The ball needs to filter through him. His skill set would be better utilized in a trequartista role. The same with Candreva. I would rather see him in a more central role so he can be a more integral part of the game. They have tried to use David Trez, Amauri, Iaquinta as strikers but it's not working. They do not have the ability to create on their own. They should play Del Piero up top and Diego and Giovinco in support of him. They might lack in size, but they will make up for it in speed and creativity. Not to mention the ability to draw fouls. More set pieces, all 3 capable hitters, more goals.

Posted by lekan bishi on 04/10/2010

I think juventus should lay off most of the players at hand and buy new ones. i think the few once that should be left to remain are Diego, Giovinco, Chiellini,Buffon,Del Piero and Camoranesi. I suggest the following in attack,Aguero,David Villa,David Silva and Andrei Iniesta.Midfield,Andrea Pirlo,Daniele De rossi,Felipe Melo Van Bommel and Yaya Toure.Defence should include Bosingwa, Ujfalusi,Vidic, Pique and Danny Alves. Additional Goal Keepers,Kasper Schmiechel and Iker Casillas.

Posted by Italia on 04/11/2010

The players that I agree that need to go are: Melo, Cannavaro, Amauri, Tiago (permanently), Zebina, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Poulsen, Salihamidzic, and De Ceglie. I personally think De Ceglie is one of the worst players Juve have this season as many of our losses have drived from his defensive weaknesses. He needs to be loaned out and gain experience before playing first-team football for Juventus.
Players like Trezeguet are also said to be leaving during the summer. If we go through removing all these players (maybe not Trezegol), we can buy some younger, quality replacements. Juve should strive to keep Caceres at RB from Barcelona on a permanent basis. Get one or two young but solid Centre-Backs such as Thiago Silva is for Milan and Pique for Barcelona. Camoranesi is past his prime and gets injured too often every single season. Del Piero is the only one that merits his place in th team as he still dribbles, assists, and scores goals for Juve and brings influence to our game.

Posted by banwo tunde on 04/12/2010

each week i got mock in my office over juve mediocrity on the field. once upon a time, it was the delight of Italian football. pls juve must be re-juve-nated. we must forge ahead and think of better performance. Champions league qualification is imperative.

forza old lady

Posted by elio on 04/12/2010

since coming up from serie b, this has been there worst season. they need a quality coach,like fabio capello, to take the reigns and dismiss the current attitude of it's board members.someone like cappelo won't take any crap from the board and players from arround the world would be lining up to play and give there all for him and juventus, as he is one of the most influensial coaches in the world and the most proven.he will bring in youth and bled it with experience,which will make juventus the club that it used to be, " unbeatable".
"FORZA JUVE!!"

Posted by kav on 04/14/2010

Please do not get another failure in the form of Benitez!

Posted by delpierocrazy on 06/24/2010

this is what we need next season..." criscito( a taste of w/cup xperience at left side of the defence), montolivo( playmaker in the process ), pepe/quagliarela ( a physical attacking midfielder/forward), pazzini ( a hopefull goal-getter)and first eleven for giovinco ( popped as the next del piero )"and yes they all italian!!"

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