Ranieri: We passed Zenit test

Ranieri: We passed Zenit test
Wednesday 17 September, 2008

Claudio Ranieri praised Zenit and insisted it was only normal they should pressure Juventus in Turin.

“It was a complicated and very tactical game, as Zenit are in better physical shape than we are and play with five midfielders plus three who move a lot upfront,” he said of the 1-0 win.

“We knew they were very good on the counter, so I was pleased we rarely allowed them that chance.

“It was a struggle and my compliments go to Zenit, as if they won the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup, then of course they were going to trouble us. It was very important to start the group with a win.”

This is a very tricky group, as Real Madrid beat Bate Borisov 2-0 to go top alongside Juventus.

“We had four midfielders against their five, so under pressure it is simpler to lose the ball. We were also a little tense, but after our first chance we got into our stride a bit more.

“It is a complicated group. I don't know Bate Borisov, so we have had to research them, but between Real Madrid, Zenit and Juventus there are already three excellent teams.”

It was quite a return to the Champions League for Juve, who sealed the victory with a spectacular Alessandro Del Piero free kick.

“We've been out of Europe for two years and although there are some figures still here, it is a new team and we want to experience this with enthusiasm.”

Ranieri stuck by the 'old guard' in this game, but assured that would not always be the case.

“We created this squad in order to give everyone an opportunity to play and to recover. Now we are in good shape considering it is September, so when everyone is like that I can rotate the squad.”

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