Lippi Nears Decision On Juve Return
Saturday 2nd June 2001
Marcello Lippi will announce whether he will replace Carlo Ancelotti as Juventus coach after the weekend. The former Internazionale boss has been linked with a return to Turin after turning down Barcelona because of "a commitment in Italy".
Lippi's comments sparked reports in the Italian media that he was set to return to the Stadio delle Alpi, where he won three league titles and the Champions' League.
Honorary president Umberto Agnelli increased the speculation when he refused to deny on Thursday that he had spoken to Lippi about returning to Juventus.
And on Friday, all Lippi would say to a journalist who phoned him up was: "Don't call me for at least two days then all will be clear."
According to Ancelotti, the situation is already clear. The current coach shrugged of the rumour on Friday, saying: "Agnelli told me that I have to remain calm, because these are only rumours and will stop."
But earlier in the week, the former Italy midfielder went on the offensive, and fumed at the press pack: "The situation is really clear and I've no reason to think that I'll not be in Turin next year. I signed a contract until June 30, 2002, so I'm not worried at all about the gossip regarding Lippi.
"I know that the present season has been tormenting for Juventus and I feared for my future immediately after we were knocked out of the Champions' League. I repeat, I signed a contract earlier this year and these kind of rumours mean nothing to me. It's amusing for me to look at the newspapers."
The Juventus board are reported to be split on who to appoint as coach next season depsite handing Ancelotti a lucrative extension in February. Vice-president Roberto Bettega, general manager Antonio Giraudo and sports director Luciano Moggi are at loggerheads as to whether Lippi, who flopped in an ill-fated spell at Internazionale this season, can repeat his success of the late 1990s.
When Ancelotti signed the new deal in February, it was reported that talks about extending his contract for another 12 months would take place in the summer.
His current deal will see him earn �750,000 next season, with lucrative bonuses linked to attainment.
Winning the Champions' League would net Ancelotti �350,000, there is �300,000 at stake if Juve win the title, a further �170,000 if Juventus qualify for the Champions' League and the same amount again for lifting the Coppa Italia.
