Nedved Pleads For Patience As Juve Bounce Back
Thursday 18th October 2001
Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved has brushed aside concerns about his form after starring in Juve's Champions' League win over Rosenborg.
"Nothing can be perfect immediately - and I hope the fans understand that," said the �26 million signing from Lazio.
A solitary goal from France striker David Trezeguet was enough to give Juventus their first win in six games, taking the Turin club to the top of Group E. But it was Nedved's dramatic return to form that caught the eye.
The midfielder, who arrived in the summer, admitted that he has taken time to settle in at the Stadio Delle Alpi, but believes the critics have been too harsh on him and the team.
"I find it unbelievable that people have been so critical of Juventus," said the 29-year-old. "We've obviously had one or two problems, but that's always going to happen when a team makes so many changes to both the playing and coaching staff.
"Things will improve, I'm sure of that, because this is the best team I've ever played for. We are all getting to know each other better and we are starting to gel.
"We created a lot of chances to score against Rosenborg and that is a good sign. Maybe I played a bit better, too, but I'm not concerned about my form."
Coach Marcello Lippi was pleased to see Nedved putting in the sort of performance he showed for Lazio last season. "I just think he needs to get a goal. Then he will be okay," he said.
Juventus were slated after throwing away a three-goal lead against Torino at the weekend, but Lippi is confident that Wednesday's win has marked the end of their sticky patch.
"It's difficult to forget what happened in the Turin derby on Sunday, but I hope that this will be the start of a good run," he explained.
"Mentally it was not an easy game for us and I think we played slightly anxiously. We took the lead thanks to a great Trezeguet goal and then started to play a little better.
"But we missed seven or eight chances to get a second, then started to get anxious again. Still, we got the win. We can't afford to carry on dropping points in the league, though.
"Our next two games - at Bologna, then against Porto - are key," added Lippi. "If we can beat the Portuguese team we will be through and that would help us to get on with our work in peace."
Juve hero Trezeguet explained why he showed so much emotion after hitting the back of the net. "I just felt like I had to prove myself again after coming back from the knee injury," said the Frenchman.
"Plus I knew that we hadn't won in our last five matches, so it was an important goal. I thought we played intelligently and I am very happy," he added.
