Ranieri Talk

Ranieri keeps Empoli focus
Tuesday 18 March, 2008

Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri insists that he is focused on tomorrow’s game against Empoli rather than looking ahead to the weekend’s battle with Inter.

The Bianconeri are building a commanding cushion in the Champions League qualification zone, but they need to ensure maximum points against lowly Empoli before the Derby d’Italia.

There have been suggestions that Ranieri will rest star striker David Trezeguet ahead of the trip to San Siro, but the Juve boss certainly isn’t taking the Tuscans lightly.

“We will have to see whether or not it is a good idea to rest Trezeguet,” he said cautiously.

“But these are three very important points for us and I’m just thinking about Empoli and the best way to beat them rather than looking ahead.

“Empoli will grit their teeth and battle for every ball - we can’t afford any lapses in concentration.

“We want to improve and I am always working towards the best result. At this rate we should finish the season in a good position.”

Despite the Cadetti champions’ impressive season, Ranieri has come in for some harsh criticism and there are rumours that he will be replaced by World Cup winning boss Marcello Lippi at the end of the campaign.

“I think that talk has to stop,” Ranieri rasped. “I don’t worry myself with these things. I am calm and people can write what they want.”

The former Parma boss concluded with some words of encouragement for midfielder Tiago Mendes, who has made a marked improvement since being lambasted early in the season.