Lucio is not the type to leave battles, says Dunga

Nov 10, 2012 12:25:00 PM

The former Selecao boss has dismissed the idea of the defender leaving his club in January, and also commented on the situations of some other Brazilians playing in Europe

Dunga believes Lucio's time will come at Juventus, with the centre-back having to wait for a starting berth after suffering an injury early in the season.

The Bianconeri currently sit one point clear at the top of Serie A but Antonio Conte's faith in Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini as his three centre-backs leaves no space for the summer arrival from Inter.

"Am I surprised to see Lucio so little time on the field? I think it's only a matter of time before he plays, he pays for being injured early in the season," Dunga told Corriere dello Sport.

"Could he leave Juve in January? He is one who always wants to play and I'm sure he is doing everything to convince Conte of his talents. I would be surprised if he left: Lucio likes difficult things and he's not a guy who leaves during battles.

"What do I say to him? To stay calm and use all the opportunities he gets. As soon as he becomes a regular he won't leave the first-team."

Dunga himself spent six years playing in Serie A between 1987 and 1993, representing Pisa, Fiorentina and Juventus' opponents this weekend, Pescara.

When asked about Felipe Melo, who is spending a second consecutive season on loan at Galatasaray from Juventus, the 49-year-old said: "My 'old friend' Felipe Melo? He arrived at Juve at the wrong time. If he played with Pirlo he would be perfect."

And on Chelsea's attacking midfielder Oscar: "He's amazing, he will become a top player. Recently he has changed his style and has improved his build-up play."

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Champions League final - LIVE!

German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.

11:00 PM BST

Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has finally faced the press and, judging by his comments, is a tad upset with perhaps something other than the final scoreline.

"First and foremost, congratulations to Bayern Munich because they won so it's not important to speak about what happened in the game," he told ITV1. "After the game you have to respect the result and that's what we do now.

"I didn't see (Robben's) goal. It was a free-kick and we were not in the right formation at that moment. It was late in the game and it has been a really hard season for us. But Bayern Munich had to fight too. We deserved to be in the final and we showed this tonight."

10:56 PM BST

Sir Alex Ferguson also has a new job... Well, kind of. The former Manchester United boss was entrusted with the honour of presenting the man of the match award after the game and relished the task: "It's my first job since I retired and it's a pleasure!"

Robben humbly received his accolade before commenting: "I think it’s such a shame a world-class trainer is leaving the game." Quite.

10:51 PM BST

Heynckes, class act that he is, was also quick to empathise with a devastated Dortmund.

"I told their players: I know your disappointment after losing a final. I lost a final to Liverpool, too.

"During the first half we had trouble to get into the game. At half-time a adjusted our play. I think both teams felt pressure. If you see that you have a 25-point-lead in the league, it is normal you are the favourite. But after 30 minutes we freed ourselves.

"Over the past year, we improved and improved. We improved and modified so many details. I was stricter and I have to say that the players followed me and there is harmony in the dressing room."

10:48 PM BST

And finally we get to hear from Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola this summer.

The big news is, though, that he seems to have a job lined up for himself, which restores one's faith in our fickle game, given the man is now a two-time Champions League winner!

"The decision on what I will do after the DFB Pokal match (against Stuttgart next saturday) was already taken last June? Retire? No, you will learn that after the DFB Pokal final."

10:43 PM BST

Here's a snap feature from the brilliant Kris Voakes, who praises Arjen Robben for finally conquering his demons to secure European glory for Bayern Munich.

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