Secco: Juve quality, not quantity

Secco: Juve quality, not quantity
Saturday 14 February, 2009

Juventus transfer guru Alessio Secco outlines their summer spending plans and assures Claudio Ranieri “will be here for a long time.”

The director of sport’s contract is renewed next week despite his unpopularity with the fans for what they consider to be sub-standard signings.

“When I was originally hired, there was a lot – and I mean a lot – of scepticism. My renewal is an eloquent response to those critics,” he told Tuttosport.

“It is true to say I am ‘The spiritual son of Luciano Moggi’, as he taught me many things, but then at the end of the day everyone makes their own mind up and I have a strong character.”

The lack of any January buys further irritated the fans, but Secco is already looking to the future.

“The club has set aside an impressive budget for the summer, but with very few actual moves in or out planned.

“A couple of years ago we had to start the squad from scratch and bought many players who, in the circumstances, could not all be champions as we would need 10 Roman Abramovich-style magnates to pay for them all.

“Now the foundations are solid and we can target quality, in other words individuals who genuinely make the difference.”

Among the contenders are Spaniard David Silva, Werder Bremen star Diego and Sampdoria firecracker Antonio Cassano.

“Considering our style of play, which is the 4-4-2, Diego is not a player with compatible characteristics,” warned Secco.

One of those walking away could be youth product Sebastian Giovinco, increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team football.

“We’ll get to the end of the season first and then we will talk about it.”

Ranieri’s position was in doubt after a mid-season slump, so will his future depend on the Scudetto and Champions League results?

“Our Coach has shown right from the start he is very loyal to the club, a professional who knows how to act and stay within the rules. I have the utmost respect for him. I think Ranieri and Juventus will be together for a long time.”

Some naysayers suggested captain Alessandro Del Piero was the one dictating transfer policy, but Secco laughs off the allegations.

“Del Piero has a very important position within the squad, as we know how talented and wise he is. That’s a long way from saying he’s in charge, though. If anything, as captain he leads his teammates on the field.”

This weekend Juventus have the chance to close in on leaders Inter, as they face Sampdoria while the Nerazzurri take on Milan.

“Inter remain the strongest side and in my view the only team overall superior to Juventus, but not by much. The seven points that divide us in the table are excessive,” concluded the director of sport.

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