Juventus recently could only manage a 2-2 draw against Verona, which may not have hurt their title chances match, but manager Antonio Conte decided to punish the players by not giving them a day-off after the match.
This tactic by the manager drew criticism of the former Juventus coach and current Russian national team manager, Fabio Capello. He is regarded as one of the finest Italian managers of all time after having lifted numerous titles with several clubs over the years. However, Conte has reacted to this criticism by saying that Capello’s time at Juventus will be regarded as a failure.
During Capello’s time at the club, they managed to lift two league titles, but the big talking point came when the titles were stripped off due to match fixing. On the contrary, Conte managed to guide the team from the second division of Italian football to their first title since the match fixing scandal. Capello is currently in charge of the Russian national team and he has recently signed a new contract that will keep him beyond the World Cup 2014. Conte has suggested that Capello should focus on looking after his work rather than giving opinions about the works of others.
Juventus are currently nine points ahead of second placed Roma and are favourites to win a third straight league title.
“I’ve heard a lot of stupid things regarding the decisions I make. Capello likes to stick his nose in where it’s not wanted. Of his (Capello’s) two years in charge, I don’t remember much football but rather the two revoked scudetti. Other great former Bianconeri coaches, like (Marcello) Lippi and (Giovanni) Trapattoni are respectful and educated regarding other people’s work. It seems that when a football guru (Capello) speaks out we should all be silent and pay reverence,” said Conte.