Van Der Sar Shrugs Off Carini Threat
Friday 9th March 2001 - onefootball.com
Juventus goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has vowed to keep his deputy Fabian Carini out of the side next season. "I know he is a great talent, but I'm not so old," the Holland international said.
Van der Sar came in for some fierce criticism at the beginning of the season, as a succession of blunders left Juventus out of the Champions' League and struggling in the league.
But since coach Carlo Ancelotti changed the three-man defensive system to four men at the back, Van der Sar has rediscovered his form - and not conceded a goal for 368 minutes.
"I feel guilty for the terrible beginning of the season and now I want to help my team-mates win the Scudetto. It is the only way to recover, because everyone - the players and club staff - all helped me when I felt bad. This is the way to thank them all.
"And now it's all changed. The defence is more aggressive and we give nothing away to other teams. Our defence begins in midfield, where we pressure other teams, and so control the game. Now we have to look at ourselves, and try to win all the matches we can. We shouldn't look at what Roma do.
Van der Sar shrugged off his impeccable record without conceding a goal: "If your opponents don't score and you don't score it's not a good thing. I'd rather win a game 5-3 or even 6-5: I'm sure about only one thing. The struggle for the Scudetto will go to the wire."
The threat of Uruguay international Carini has spurred on Van der Sar even more: "I've seen him play and I know he is a great talent. I also saw him last Wednesday in the friendly game against Uruguay. He was very good. He is very good now, but I'm not so old.
"I'm just 30 years old, maybe the best age for a keeper. I'm experienced and I have no injury worries. I'm ready. I want to play and win the Champions' League again. To do that we have to qualify. And the best way to qualify is to win the Scudetto."
