Post by Taxigirl on Feb 8, 2004 10:44:14 GMT
Fabio Capello has added spice to tonight’s match by assuring he would never accept a job with rivals Juventus.
“I decided not to join the Bianconeri,” revealed the Roma boss, “as a lifestyle choice. I did not feel it was a challenge after everything I had done and I simply was not interested.”
Capello is one of Europe’s most successful Coaches with League titles won at Milan, Roma and Real Madrid, in addition to the Champions’ League.
Now he must try to keep his hopes of another Scudetto alive when Roma welcome joint second placed Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico.
“It will be a very important game for us,” he continued. "I predict fireworks and emotions will be running high."
“The team is improving and the special training schedule is making a difference. We understood the reasons behind our difficult period and have worked through it.”
The Capital club slipped down the standings after defeats to Milan and Brescia, while Udinese held them to a 1-1 draw in their last home game.
“I understand the fans being critical of our performances over the last month, but they must understand the level of opposition we are facing. Milan are doing very well right now and we all show them respect for that.”
The Rossoneri have already opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table and could extend that further if Roma and Juventus hold each other up.
“Juve are on fine form and it will take a great Giallorossi performance to get a result,” confessed Capello.
“Marcello Lippi’s side is able to cut across the field with remarkable pace and can find itself in a goal scoring position with just a few passes. We must try to stop that from happening and that is why I’ll include the players I can really count on.”
There were reports of a tactical switch for this match, and it seems as if the 4-4-2 system will leave Antonio Cassano on the bench.
This could cause an upset within the ranks, which are already shaken by persistent rumours of Francesco Totti’s summer switch to Real Madrid.
“He will not leave Roma,” insisted Capello. “I am happy that Totti is appreciated overseas, but he was born in this city and loves the team too much. He will never abandon it.”