Montero Hopeful Of Reeling Roma In
Tuesday 21st November 2000
Juventus defender Paolo Montero has backed his manager Carlo Ancelotti's
assessment that it is too early to consider Roma as Serie A's
champions-elect.
Critics of Fabio Capello's men have claimed that Roma have had an easy run
of games to start off their championship campaign and have yet to be really
tested by a 'big' team.
"Roma are a big team," said Montero on Tuesday. "They have Gabriel Batistuta
and that is a huge advantage. But I would rather consider the Giallorossi as
favourites after they have played the likes of AC Milan, Lazio, Parma and
Juventus."
Montero's return from injury gave great confidence to Juventus' back line in
Brescia last Sunday. The Turin side failed to win, but kept a clean sheet
with the help of the South American.
"But I saw a good Juventus side when I was sat in the stands," insisted
Montero. "I am an experienced player, but so are Marco Iuliano and Ciro
Ferrara. There is only one irreplaceable in our side and that's Zinedine
Zidane. He is our organiser."
After Montero's bust-up with supporters which occurred as Juventus returned
from their Champions' League defeat to Panathanaikos, a small section of the
away supporters barracked the player in Brescia. But the hardy full back is
unaffected by such matters.
"I don't fear barracking because, when I play, I am so concentrated that I
don't notice what is happening outside. I only think about Juventus."
"We have to improve and arrive for the big match with Roma on 23 December in
prime condition. The ideal solution would be a six-point gap. Last year we
had nine points on Lazio and, in six matches, we lost the title."
