Player Talk : Grygera

Grygera: We are victims!
Friday 7 March, 2008

Zdenek Grygera is the latest Juventus defender to claim that the Bianconeri are suffering at the hands of Italy’s referees.

Yesterday, Grygera’s teammate Jonathan Zebina told journalists the Turin giants were being ‘massacred’ by match officials.

Juventini were incensed 10 days ago when, in a match against Reggina, they were denied three clear penalties.

The decisions cost the Old Lady as they lost 2-1 in Reggio Calabria, prompting the club’s directors to send an open letter of complaint to the Italian FA.

In an interview with Juventus Channel, Grygera spoke of his shock at the attitude of the men in black.

“In Italy there are problems with the referees,” he noted. “I have seen what happened in Reggio Calabria. I have understood that this is all normal.”

The Czech international wasn’t as scathing in his criticism as Zebina, but acknowledged that he was left dumbfounded by some of the verdicts given by match officials.

“There is a lot of pressure on referees. It is not like in Holland or the Czech Republic. Here, people speak about football every day.

“Still, I have seen many errors that I cannot explain.”

The former Ajax player also spoke of his experiences so far in his first season at Juve.

“It’s all new here. There are differences to Holland but I have no difficulties playing in whatever formation.

“The team defends best in zones but I have also man-marked.”

The 27-year-old is still adapting and is yet to secure a regular place in the side, appearing in 14 of the Bianconeri’s 26 matches. But Grygera is proud to be with the Old Lady.

“Juventus has a great history that you cannot help but feel,” explained the Czech. “The shirt weighs on your back.

“When I first saw the Bianconero jersey with my name on it I realised a dream.”

* channel4