Vieri Talk Inspired Me, Says Trezeguet
Sunday 26th August 2001
Juventus forward David Trezeguet has credited subtle psychology from coach Marcello Lippi, when he was trying to sign Christian Vieri, for his two-goal display on the first day of the Italian season. "He told me then that I would still be in the side whatever happened and that confidence encouraged me," said the France striker.
Trezeguet was certainly high on confidence as Juventus cruised to a 4-0 opening day success against Vicenza. He scored two quickfire goals early on, before Alessandro del Piero added another two, and hit the crossbar with a spectacular bicycle-kick.
The French striker then insisted he felt he would still have been in the side had Vieri joined Juventus in the summer instead of Marcelo Salas.
"Marcello Lippi told me that and the trust I have from my coach encourages me to continue doing my best.
"We did need one more forward and I think Marcelo [Salas] will be useful for us. We must win this season and there is a role to play for all of us.
"It was a wonderful match," he added, "and I scored because I was given the chance to do that.
"We found our self-confidence and personality."
Coach Lippi was less buoyant, but still heartened by the fact that Lazio, Roma, and Milan all dropped points.
Speaking after Verona had held champions Roma to a 1-1 draw, Lippi said: "Roma will always be our nearest challengers in our run towards the title."
But he added that he was not looking to increase the squad. Talk of bringing in a new midfielder, he insisted, was wide off the mark.
"We have Igor Tudor, and he was a wonderful surprise playing in midfield. He has good technical abilities and is very fast despite his height. Fabian O'Neill is recovering from his injury, as is Antonio Conte.
"On top of that, we all are waiting for Edgar Davids. So I don't think that Juve need another midfielder.
"And I won't rule out using a three-man defence. That's not a problem. I've been here for five years and we played in many different formations."
