Post by Taxigirl on Jan 27, 2004 9:34:47 GMT
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi has jumped to the defence of his side for conceding 21 goals in 18 games.
The Bianconeri rearguard has been put on trial by the media but the tactician refuses to single out any culprits.
"We have let in a lot of goals but it hasn’t stopped our progress in the table," said the former Napoli Coach.
"I do admit that we are perhaps less determined and less focused at the back but don’t go looking for individuals to blame.
"It is down to the general conduct of the whole side and this needs to be corrected. We shouldn’t talk about the defence but our defensive approach."
Lippi believes that the amount of goals scored against them is directly linked with their new attacking mentality that has seen them net 41 goals in 18 games.
"It’s a season where we are evidently more focused when going forward," he added. "It’s not something that has affected us even if it is something for us to think about."
Speculation suggests that Juventus could look to remedy the problem by signing a defender, possibly Parma’s Matteo Ferrari, over the next week.
"If the club ask me whether I want a new player then I would say no," he continued. "I don’t want a new defender.
"I already have enough. I just need my players to give their very best. I’m convinced we just need to get our heads right."