Win For Lippi Perfect Response To Agnelli Barb
Sunday 18th November 2001
Marcello Lippi praised his Juventus side and Pavel Nedved in particular after their 3-1 win against Parma. He was speaking after vice-president Umberto Agnelli had said he was running out of patience with the club's poor form.
Agnelli's comments came before the vital clash which marked Daniel Passarella's first game as Parma coach. The executive vice-president heaped the pressure on the Turin side, moaning: "About Juventus, I can say that we are not at all happy about the team.
"There is no cohesion at all and some of the big signings we made during the summer haven't managed to become a part of the group. Are we arming ourselves with patience? Not at all. I have lost my patience already."
Agnelli was referring to the disappointing form shown by Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved, who has failed to settle since moving from Lazio in the summer. Gianluigi Buffon and Lilian Thuram also joined for big money from Parma, but the return had been minimal as before the Parma clash, Juve had gone six domestic games without a win.
Coach Lippi agreed in part with Agnelli's view but was grateful for the win, secured by goals from David Trezeguet (two) and Alessandro Del Piero. The three points moved Juventus up to third place in Serie A, relieved the pressure from his shoulders.
"Of course Mr Agnelli is not happy about what we have done during the last few weeks. All of us have the same feeling me, the players, everybody. That's the reason why today's win was so important. The outcome and, more than that, our play were important and encourage us to keep on going."
Lippi went on to say: "I can assure you that Pavel [Nedved] has no problem with any relationships within the squad and the club. He workw a lot during the week and dedicates himself in the best way. Today I saw a very good Nedved. I hoped he could score during the first half but he was unlucky and slid as he shot.
"I replaced him with Marcelo Zalayeta only because I had to play a forward at that time and I was thinking about the two matches we have to face during the coming week in the Champions' League and Serie A."
