Post by Taxigirl on Dec 3, 2003 10:18:56 GMT
Marcello Lippi maintains two consecutive defeats will not push him to change the rotation system in place at Juventus.
“The desire to get back into the game prompted mistakes and we conceded a second in stoppage time,” he explained after tonight’s 2-0 setback against Galatasaray.
Juve needed just one point from this rescheduled tie, played on neutral ground in Dortmund, in order to be certain of topping Group D.
However, leaving many of his top stars at home may have been a mistake as the second-string side was unable to maintain their unbeaten record in Europe.
“The result does not detract from the fact it was a good performance for over an hour in which we created plenty of scoring opportunities and could have netted at least one, if not more,” insisted the Coach.
The Bianconeri were unbeaten in all competitions until Saturday, but the 3-1 defeat to Inter and now this slip-up are raising eyebrows.
“At least we did the double of defeats,” joked Lippi. “Some people claim that the rotation system is suddenly a failure because of these results, but I will continue applying it to the squad for some considerable time.”
Juventus can still be certain of topping their Group by earning a point against Olympiakos at the Delle Alpi next week.