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| 30 APRIL
2002 Serie A 2001-2002 Season Round 33 Post Match Comments Bologna vs Lazio "It's still difficult for us to qualify for the Champions League as Milan have on paper an easier final game. I wanted the lads to show real courage and pride today and that's just what I got." - Francesco Guidolin "This defeat will weigh heavy on our morale and our position in the table. We were doing so well recently and have seen our run interrupted here. Now the situation is more complicated so we'll have to try and beat Inter then hope for the best." - Alberto Zaccheroni Fiorentina vs Parma "This was a risky game. We could have sealed the three points in the first half but were lacking the strength and concentration to do it. I'm sorry, we really hoped to end the season with something more than this but we did see some talented youngsters (goalkeeper Cassano) that we can work with in the future." - Luciano Chiarugi "Avoiding relegation one week before the end of the season is in itself an important achievement if you consider how the situation was turning out. After 13 games all we had was eight points. Today we have 41." Gedeone Carmignani Juventus vs Brescia "Inter have one more point and that was to be expected after this round of games. Now we will wait for Sunday without excessive tension." Marcello Lippi "There was too much tension on the field. The corner that lead to Juve's opening goal should have been a goal kick and I took the fourth official by the arm to tell him that. I don't know, perhaps I am a little too tense myself at the moment but I expected a bit more understanding rather than a red card after eight minutes. This has been a disastrous year under all aspects." - Carlo Mazzone Inter vs Piacenza "If Lazio are out of the Champions League running then they will be able to play without tension or pressure. Inter must still play one more match and until that final whistle we won't know who the Scudetto winner will be." Hector Cuper "The team played well and we only conceded goals from two champions. Piacenza took the game to Inter, but we still lost. Football is like that, I am afraid, in Italy what is said off the field counts more than what happens on it." - Walter Novellino "At the end of the day we will accept whatever happens next week without hysteria or controversy. Every now and then Capello contacted me on the bench with text messages. Vincenzo Montella was wonderful and we are all happy for him. We started out a bit slowly today but when Roma get into gear there is little that can stop them. The Scudetto doesn't depend on us anymore, but we'll be waiting to pounce if anything happens." Italo Galbiati (standing in for Capello) "We certainly will not give up on the Champions League. We were unlucky today as both Simone Perrotta and Eriberto picked up injuries but we will continue to battle on until the bitter end and if we achieve even a UEFA Cup spot then that would be an historic achievement for this club." Luigi Del Neri Verona vs Milan "I tried to reassure the team and explained that we can still avoid the drop. We must stay calm." - Alberto Malesani "This was a turning point for our season and we took the right direction. We did well to turn the game around after going a goal behind, missing a penalty and hitting the woodwork. We've played well for over a month now and this performance proves that." - Carlo Ancelotti 24 APRIL 2002 Thuram Not Happy "Enjoyment of the game is very important for me and the club already knows how I feel about this issue. I was promised my favoured position when I came here and should this not come about then we'd have to sit down and discuss it." - Lillian Thuram New Strategy For Parma "The modern football club needs to start decreasing their costs. We must achieve important objectives by spending less money. In order to manage this we need to invest in the youth system and our scouting methods. It's important that Parma can find and sign players of real quality before other sides do." - Arrigo Sacchi Serie A 2001-2002 Season Round 32 Post Match Comments Chievo vs Inter "I saw the same Chievo side that beat Inter at the San Siro. We are playing great football and deserve to be in fourth place." - Luigi Del Neri "We could have won. We lacked the cynicism to close down the game when we had the chance. There were at least two or three chances we did not convert, then Chievo's last-minute equaliser punished us for those mistakes. I think there was a penalty on Ronaldo, but there is no point talking about that now." - Hector Cuper Milan vs Roma "It's pointless making calculations ahead of the final two games. Chievo are favourites for the Champions League spot as they are two points in front. We'll just try to win the remaining two matches and then we'll look at the table. We wanted to emerge victorious today but despite a good performance we weren't able to achieve this aim. Roma are not the kind of team that allows you many chances." - Carlo Ancelotti "We had the toughest tie today as Milan are on top form and Roma do not have a good history in this stadium. We had good opportunities to win it at the end but did not make the most of them. It's a shame. Now we have a very tough encounter with Chievo." - Fabio Capello Piacenza vs Juventus "Today my team did not deserve to lose. We had a great game and all Juve had more than my lads was luck. It's a real shame as my squad exhibited quality today. We must stay concentrated until the end. Would I move to a big club? There's nothing wrong with having a dream." - Walter Novellino "It was a difficult day for everyone, especially for my heart. This was an extremely important victory that allows us to get within a single point of Inter. I hope that the history books remember those who did not win the title this season as whoever falters at the last will nonetheless deserve praise." - Marcello Lippi Torino vs Lecce "We conceded a goal in their one and only attempt. Torino created countless chances and struck the woodwork twice. That can happen in football, so never mind. We did well to react after going behind." - Giancarlo Camolese "Again this was a good performance, so we leave Serie A with our heads held high. It's obvious that we're upset and bitter at this relegation, even if it is almost to be expected of a club this size. The club makes the plans for the future and all I can do is wait for their decision." - Delio Rossi 16 APRIL 2002 Albertini Out Of World Cup Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the World Cup finals after suffering an achilles injury against Juventus on Sunday. Albertini's vastly superior Milan team-mate Massimo Ambrosini has been called-up in his place for Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay. One More Season At Leverkusen For Lucio? Having already lost their two World Class midfielders, Michael Ballack and Ze Roberto, to Bayern Munich, Leverkusen's managing director Rainer Calmund has stated that much sought after defender Lucio will remain at the BayArena for another season : "We have held talks and he will definitely stay on. Lucio has a contract until 2005 but we can talk about a transfer next year." 15 APRIL 2002 Serie A 2001-2002 Season Round 31 Post Match Comments Atalanta vs Torino "I never told a newspaper that this result was only to be expected. Sometimes the press publish certain things that I simply didn't say. The truth of it is that some people do not respect their own professionalism or that of others. It's their problem, not mine." - Giovanni Vavassori "The two teams played an open game with plenty of chances at either end. Towards the final minutes we both got a little tired, but no-one can say we didn't try to win. Now we can hope for something a little more important that merely avoiding the drop. This is an important point." - Giancarlo Camolese Bologna vs Piacenza "We respect all our opponents and that's the beauty of Serie A - anything can happen until the end of the season." - Francesco Guidolin This is a very important victory, especially as before the game I would have been more than happy with a draw from such a difficult Stadium. Instead, we had a fantastic performance." - Walter Novellino Fiorentina vs Lazio "I feel humiliated and speechless. I can only say that during this year we have spoken of everything except football. This is the logical consequence of that. In Serie B we'll need players who are willing to fight for this jersey. We want to come back into the top flight as soon as possible." - Luciano Chiarugi "I don't know whether or not we'll qualify for the Champions' League but we are certainly still in the running. It's true that we have a complicated run-in but I can also say that my team is improving every week. We wasted many chances here and that kind of performance in front of goal is the reason we are in seventh place." - Alberto Zaccheroni Juventus vs Milan "The situation at the top is the same as seven days ago. We will carry on each Sunday with the sole objective to get as many points as possible." Marcello Lippi "I saw a good performance from my men with the same spirit shown against Borussia Dortmund midweek. It's a shame that the goal was scored during our strongest moment, although it is no coincidence that we were left in ten men at the same time." - Carlo Ancelotti Inter vs Brescia "This is above all else an important victory on a psychological level. After Atalanta and Feyenoord it was tough to get back from another potential defeat. I am happy for Ronaldo, he changed the game and that grit got us the win. My compliments to Brescia." - Hector Cuper "I didn't like this defeat one little bit nor did I appreciate being sent off for dissent. It came in a crucial moment when there were substitutions to be made. I can only say that this match was one-way traffic and Inter only came out in the last ten minutes. The best team did not win, and that is a real cause for regret." - Carlo Mazzone Lecce vs Chievo "I know that it is difficult, but we must believe we can avoid the drop. Many expected Chievo to steamroller past us, but Lecce took a deserved lead. We made errors but that can happen."- Delio Rossi "It was a good game and we are back on form, even if there were far too many mistakes. Now we must play Atalanta, Inter and Roma, but we'll try our best to get points from these remaining matches. The boys know what do now and are aware of how to wait for their moment." - Luigi Del Neri Roma vs Parma "The important thing is that we played a great game. I would like us to always step onto the field with that kind of commitment. Finally we are back to being aggressive, fast and with real quality. Perhaps we have the toughest run-in of the title-chasing trio." - Fabio Capello "We were never really in the game today. It is partly our fault but Roma closed us down very effectively. It isn't a tragedy, but we must think about next week's clash with Atalanta. We are certainly not relegated yet and anything can happen in football." - Pietro Carmignani Coaches Offer Encouragement For Beckham "He's the captain, he's one of the best footballers in the world today so of course if there's a small chance that he can play (in the World Cup) we will take him with us." - Sven Goran Eriksson "The World Cup is that little bit further away and he has a better chance of recovering in time for that. There is a lot of swelling on his foot but that will gradually go away. He's having treatment twice a day. It will take time but he will be all right." - Alex Ferguson Hodgson New UAE Coach Roy Hodgson has been named as the new coach of the United Arab Emirates. Duscher Finally Apologises Deportivo butcher Aldo Duscher has begrudgingly apologised for the murderous tackle on David Beckham that threatens England's World Cup hopes after being continually harassed by journalists : "Now I have thought about it twice all I can say is sorry. I never thought this event could become such a big deal. I just hope this will be over as soon as possible. I really do apologise. I would just like him to recover very soon he's a very important player for Manchester United and also for England. I am supporting him because I'd love to seem him playing in the World Cup. It was a genuine tackle. The ball was loose and we both went for it. We are all human beings and I had no intention of injuring a fellow professional. I never thought it could turn out to be that serious. When I was told he could miss the World Cup, I couldn't stop thinking about it." Ranieri Signs 5 Year Contract Claudio Ranieri has ended speculation about his future by signing a 5 year contract with Chelsea that ties him to the club until June 2007. Ranieri had been linked to Barcelona in recent weeks. Capello Extends Roma Contract Fabio Capello has extended his contract with Roma until June 2005 but will not earn an increase in wages, thought to be £2.3 million a year. 10 APRIL 2002 Beckham World Cup Doubt England captain David Beckham could miss the World Cup according to Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson after being maimed by Aldo Duscher shocking foul during Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final clash against Deportivo : "He is doubtful for the World Cup. He has a broken metatarsus bone in his foot." Barca Face Stadium Ban? Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona could be banned from playing in the Nou Camp following some deplorable behaviour by their fans during Tuesday's victory over Greek side Panathinaikos. Pana goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis suffered burns on a shoulder after being hit by a flare early in the game. Pana team doctor Nikos Tzouroudis left the dugout on a stretcher in the closing minutes after being assaulted by a spectator. It's rumoured that Tzouroudis swallowed his tongue as a result of the attack and is now recovering in a Barcelona hospital with neck injuries. Collina Banned Pierluigi Collina, officially the best referee in the World, has been banned by the Italian referees committee after awarding two penalties in as many minutes to Roma in last Sunday's match against relegated Venezia : "We have been forced to remove Collina from the draw for the next Roma, Inter and Juventus matches. He won't be involved next weekend then he'll be selected to referee for sides below fourth place - matches to avoid relegation or Serie B games." - Referees Luigi Pairetto and Paolo Bergamo. Woodgate Beaten-up, Out For The Season Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate is out for the rest of the season after having his jaw fractured while out with friends in Middlesbrough. "Leeds United can confirm Jonathan Woodgate has undergone an operation after sustaining a broken jaw in an attack on Tuesday night. He will not be available for the remainder of this season. Jonathan Woodgate and his family do not wish to make any comment." - Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale 8 APRIL 2002 Juve & Inter Fury At Roma Penalties "I have not yet seen the footage but if my club had received two penalties in the last two minutes there would have uproar and a week of trials in the press. I want to see what happens now and I cannot say any more than that." - Juve General Director Luciano Moggi "We must be extremely careful from now on. Strange things happened today. Of course I am referring to the penalties for Roma let us not joke around here. Even if they were both clear fouls two spot kicks in two minutes should be in the Guinness Book of Records. Roma were very lucky, and that's the kind of luck Inter have never had." - Inter President Massimo Moratti Serie A Post Match Comments Chievo vs Milan "The draw is fine as earning a point against a team like Milan is a good thing. We are still in the running for a spot in the Champions League and have all the qualities to do it. I really think that I will stay with Chievo for another year." - Luigi Del Neri "It certainly is a shame to drop points in such an important match due to a single defensive bout of amnesia. We played well, fought hard and ran fast, a good sign of reaction following the 4-0 defeat at Dortmund. The race for that Champions (League) spot is wide open and next week's game with Juventus will not be easy for either of us." - Carlo Ancelotti Inter vs Atalanta "It was a very bad first half performance and although it went better after the break it just wasn't enough. In any case, this was not down to the fear of victory. We are close to the Scudetto and must put more desire onto the field. I left Ronaldo on the bench as I thought he would not find much room in a very closed Atalanta defence." - Hector Cuper "This victory could be pivotal in our campaign but we still need a few points to avoid the drop. It was a good game without excessive tactical pressures and if we had managed to score the third goal it would have been less stressful in the final minutes. We did particularly well not to collapse when Inter grabbed their equaliser." - Giovanni Vavassori Perugia vs Juventus "I was sent off because I thought that Sean Sogliano had been fouled while the referee waved play on. I protested and walked outside my designated. I exaggerated, I admit that, but I did not offend anyone. I don't want to be known as the Coach who always causes trouble. Juve were great today and after the penalty we were out of the match entirely." - Serse Cosmi "The thing that satisfied me the most was the performance. We played with great deal of care and concentration despite the revolutionised midfield. Has the perfect storm passed? No, there are plenty more hurricanes to face but we are certainly better off than seven days ago." - Marcello Lippi Piacenza vs Fiorentina "This was a delicate encounter and we prepared it very well. Now we are more relaxed and with performances like this we can certainly avoid the drop. Fiorentina did not seem very motivated and we closed the result down very quickly." - Walter Novellino "I was expecting a completely different match which is why I initially fielded two strikers. We should have kept greater possession. Gonzalez was angry at his own performance that is why he punched a hole through the bench but there is no problem between us. We thought of fielding youngsters for the remaining games, but it could damage them instead." - Luciano Chiarugi Venezia vs Roma "Roma earned a point here as if there was a team that should have won, it was Venezia. We threw two points away. The way I saw it neither of the two penalties should have been awarded but how can we possibly complain? They gave us the best referee in the world for this tie, Pierluigi Collina. At least we are playing well and honouring this season until the end." Alfredo Magni "It was a refereeing scandal. This only happens for the big teams. The penalty was completely scandalous. This is not the first time this has happened with Collina. I have played four years in Italy and this type of incident of giving clubs advantages has happened before." - Venezia midfielder Daniel Andersson "This was a deserved point seeing as we had our chances to score. Venezia played an honourable football match despite their mathematical relegation. Both penalties were correct and Collina had a very clear view of the incidents. Let us look on the bright side, we have moved a point closer to Inter. It will be a very interesting fight." - Fabio Capello Barca Drop Capello Interest "We have spoken to Claudio Ranieri, Javier Irureta of Deportivo La Coruna and Carlos Bianchi former Boca Juniors boss. here was also some contact with Fabio Capello, but we could not accept some of his demands. We will finish this season and then the directors will take over from May and make the signings. Carles Rexach will finish this season but yes, we have talked to Capello and will not be taking him on, and we are talking to Ranieri." Barcelona vice-president Angel Fernandez Capello's terms were that the club sign Hernan Crespo, Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro and sell Patrick Kluivert, Frank de Boer and Michael Reiziger. Rumoured Transfers For Next Season Cannavaro from Parma to Milan/Roma Crespo from Lazio to Juventus Dellas from Perugia to Milan/Roma Di Vaio from Parma to Milan Juan Pablo Angel from Aston Villa to Deportivo/Valencia Luis Helguera from Udinese to Middlesbrough Montella from Roma to Arsenal Hofland from PSV to Arsenal/Man United Maccarone from Empoli to Juventus Nesta from Lazio to Man United Phillips from Sunderland to Tottenham Shevchenko from Milan to Real Madrid Van Bommel from PSV to Arsenal Veron from Manchester United to Lazio Vieira from Arsenal to Real Madrid 3 APRIL 2002 Montella Hints At Roma Exit Italy striker Vincenzo Montella says he will leave the club if Fabio Capello remains coach next season. Capello is strongly rumoured to be coaching Barcelona next season however, if he stays, Montella is almost certain to leave with Arsenal early candidates for his signature : "If Capello was to renew his deal then my outlook would change but I wait for their decision before making any of my own. Today I am a Roma player, but football can contradict itself so easily. Things change very quickly in this profession but I wish to point out that speaking of my expectations and outlook was not an insult aimed at the Coach. I was just expressing what I am feeling right now." |