Yahoo Sports Italy legend Cannavaro says Juventus play ‘worse’ than last season at times
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro believes Juventus need ‘time’ to rebuild after having ‘started from scratch’ last summer by hiring Thiago Motta, which is why they are currently facing ‘some problems’.
The Bianconeri have drawn nine out of 15 Serie A games, including their last three in a row, and are winless in their last three Champions League fixtures, suggesting the new coach and the new signings, albeit some of them are injured, are taking longer than some expected to make their presence felt.
A former Juventus defender, Cannavaro acknowledged that the Old Lady are a ‘bit behind’ compared to other teams involved in the title fight, as they are going through a transition process which also leads them to ‘play even worse than last year’ sometimes.
Cannavaro: Motta ‘working hard’ but Juventus play ‘worse’ than last year sometimes
“I believe that Juventus have some problems and are a bit behind,” Cannavaro told Tuttosport in an interview, as quoted by Il Bianconero.
“But even Inter have started less well than expected given the squad they have. And Napoli, under Antonio Conte, are doing well, although they stumble from time to time: they are still a work in progress.
“What are Juventus’ problems? The fact that they started from scratch. New sporting director, new coach, many new players: it’s never easy.
“Because rebuilding takes time, and Juventus aren’t always given that time, because in my opinion, it takes three years to complete the project, but by the second year without winning in Turin, it becomes difficult.”
Yet, Cannavaro insisted that current results can’t question Motta’s worth and urged the fans to ‘have patience’ as there are ‘no shortcuts’.
“I also think there were high expectations for more spectacular football, but sometimes they play even worse than last year, when people were criticising Allegri heavily,” the former defender added.
“However, Thiago is good, he’s working hard, we need to have patience, you also win through a process, and there are no shortcuts.”
Thiago Motta’s side will host Manchester City on Wednesday, and a loss would pile further pressure on the Bianconeri, who need points to secure qualification in the Champions League group phase, at least via play-off route.
