Post by Taxigirl on Nov 23, 2003 12:31:35 GMT
Juventus are running away with Serie A and their Champions’ League group, but Marcello Lippi was critical of his men.
“Our first half performance was terrible,” he said of their 2-0 win at Modena this evening.
“We basically helped out the home side by playing into their hands and were not organised enough. When David Trezeguet scored we didn’t deserve to be 1-0 up.”
There was controversy at the Stadio Braglia, as Modena maintained they were denied two penalties and criticised the opening goal.
“I never discuss referees,” noted the Coach. “In football you can have decisions go for you or against, but I don’t think the official was uncertain of his choices.”
Pavel Nedved’s goal made the points safe after the half-time break and he confirmed there was an element of luck involved.
“I didn’t even see the ball hit the back of the net,” revealed the Czech international. “It took a strange bounce off the ground and perhaps the goalkeeper saw it late.”
“We knew it would be a tough trip to Modena,” he added, “and this really is a very good team. It was a struggle and in the end we deserved the victory.”
Alberto Malesani has blamed his own players for that controversial opening goal, as a free kick was taken quickly.
“We should not have stood around arguing about the decision to begin with,” sighed the Coach. “We were distracted and lost that crucial concentration.”