Pirlo: People attack Juventus because we are winning

25-Aug-2012 12:46:00 PM

The Italy international is not impressed with the recent criticism aimed at the Turin giants, and feels the gibes are down to the club's success

Andrea Pirlo believes that Juventus are only being attacked because they are among the most popular teams in the world, and are fighting for silverware.

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman recently hit out at suspended Juve trainer Antonio Conte, while Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri claimed the Old Lady are being favoured by match officials in the wake of the Supercoppa Italiana.

"We are used to the verbal attacks. Juventus are the most popular team in the world with a lot of fans, but also with a lot of people who dislike us. It is only normal that people attack you when you are winning," Pirlo stated to Tuttosport.

"Mazzarri? Typical talk of someone who lost. If you win a game, you're happy, and you're disappointed when you lose. That's the way things go in football.

"Zeman? He is a rather particular coach. He is a great trainer and his teams play good, attacking football. However, off the pitch, he says some strange things every now and then. That's apparently part of his character. We know about it and have to accept it."

Juventus kick off their Serie A campaign on Saturday when they host Parma.