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Juventus’ Antonio Conte thrilled to be joint-top of Serie A after ‘hard & satisfying’ 2011
The Bianconeri coach has guided his side to equal points with AC Milan at the winter break, something even he had not expected, with the Old Lady yet to lose this season
Jan 1, 2012 5:23:00 AM
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Juventus coach Antonio Conte concedes that his side has done better so far this season than even he had anticipated, with the Old Lady joint-top of Serie A at the end of what he describes as a “hard and satisfying” 2011.
The Bianconeri finished seventh in the previous two terms but have impressed in the current campaign, remaining unbeaten at the winter break.
“It has been a hard and satisfying 2011," Conte told Tuttosport. “I could not have imagined being top of the table at the end of the year, not even in my rosiest predictions. I hope to continue what we are doing in 2012 and increase Juve’s competitiveness until June.
“Scudetto? I take it step by step. The first was bringing credibility back to the squad, the second was guaranteeing consistency and the third ... we’ll see.”
The 42-year-old has earned a reputation for thoroughly drilling his players in training, something which Conte does not deny, but suggests that current players have it easier in that regard.
“Am I a hard task-master in training? It’s all much easier than when I was a player, as back then we really did have our tongues hanging out,” the coach observed. “I have my method and won’t deny I grew up with a culture of work. I train the legs, head and heart. It’s called training, not a kick-about.
“I study every element of the team and want each player to know exactly what to do whether in possession or not, almost as if they were radio controlled from the bench.”
Conte also added fuel to suggestions that winger Milos Krasic, seldom utilized this season, could be on his way out, admitting that the Serbian’s style of play does not suit the system that he has employed.
“Milos is a timid person and he loves to run into space, which with our style of play isn’t really there,” said the Lecce-born coach.
Juventus is level on 34 points with AC Milan at the top of Serie A after 16 rounds, three behind on goal difference.
The Bianconeri finished seventh in the previous two terms but have impressed in the current campaign, remaining unbeaten at the winter break.
“It has been a hard and satisfying 2011," Conte told Tuttosport. “I could not have imagined being top of the table at the end of the year, not even in my rosiest predictions. I hope to continue what we are doing in 2012 and increase Juve’s competitiveness until June.
“Scudetto? I take it step by step. The first was bringing credibility back to the squad, the second was guaranteeing consistency and the third ... we’ll see.”
The 42-year-old has earned a reputation for thoroughly drilling his players in training, something which Conte does not deny, but suggests that current players have it easier in that regard.
“Am I a hard task-master in training? It’s all much easier than when I was a player, as back then we really did have our tongues hanging out,” the coach observed. “I have my method and won’t deny I grew up with a culture of work. I train the legs, head and heart. It’s called training, not a kick-about.
“I study every element of the team and want each player to know exactly what to do whether in possession or not, almost as if they were radio controlled from the bench.”
Conte also added fuel to suggestions that winger Milos Krasic, seldom utilized this season, could be on his way out, admitting that the Serbian’s style of play does not suit the system that he has employed.
“Milos is a timid person and he loves to run into space, which with our style of play isn’t really there,” said the Lecce-born coach.
Juventus is level on 34 points with AC Milan at the top of Serie A after 16 rounds, three behind on goal difference.
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