Zidane Not Indispensable, Insists Davids
Wednesday 22nd November 2000
Edgar Davids, right, insisted on Thursday that he is happy at Juventus and
hinted that he was more important to the club than Zinedine Zidane. "He is a
leader, but Montero and maybe one other are the most important," stressed
the Dutch midfielder.
Davids blamed injuries and the ultra-defensive tactics of opponents for
Juventus' poor showing this season. But the midfielder reckons the Turin
giants can still win the Italian title.
And asked about his future at Juventus, he insisted: "I have no problems.
Davids was keen to offer support to Zidane - but also stressed that the
French star is not the only important player at the Turin club.
"Zinedine is a fantastic player, but I not agree with my team-mate (Paolo)
Montero who said that Zizou is the only player Juventus can't get rid of,"
said Davids. The "one other" is understood to mean himself.
Davids added: "The problem is everybody tries to hurt Zidane and referees
have to protect him more."
The midfielder believes the rough treatment handed out to Zidane is one of
the reasons Juve have struggled this season but continued: "We have another
problem. Teams, when they face us, play with 11 defenders. But our true
problems are injury and suspensions."
Despite their Champions' League exit, Davids believes Juve will still be in
contention for trophies come the end of the season. "Now we have to focus on
the League," said the Dutchman.
"Roma are not too far away. But they will get better and better when their
Brazilian midfielder Emerson is back from injury."
