Maurizio Sarri Doubtful About his Future with Juventus
Former Chelsea and present Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri says he does not believe his future at the Italian champions rests on the outcome of Friday’s Champions League last-16 game with Lyon. Sarri is reportedly under pressure in the Italian club side, despite leading them to the Serie A title last month.
His side host Lyon looking to overturn a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, which was played back in February. “I don’t think my future is riding on this game,” said Maurizio Sarri. “Thinking this way you make the club directors look like amateurs. “I think I’m dealing with high-level directors. They will decide whether to continue or to change. But it doesn’t depend on a single game.”
Former Chelsea boss Sarri says Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to face Lyon after being rested for Juventus’ defeat by Roma at the weekend – their final game of the Serie A season. Cristiano Ronaldo has always done proven himself in times they need him, the five-times world best player Scored a hat-trick to see Juventus overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to beat Atletico Madrid in the last 16 last season. “Ronaldo is training in the right manner,” added Sarri.
“On Wednesday he scored an excellent goal in training. He played many games in a short time, he rested a little and now he has trained with intensity and strength.” Maurizio Sarri is hoping to have Paulo Dybala available as well, the Argentina striker has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season but missed the last two league games because of a thigh injury.
The winner of the clash will play the winner of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Lyon boss Rudi Garcia said: “Juve is a great team and it is demonstrated by the fact that even this year they won the Scudetto. “We won’t only want to defend; we will also want to score a goal. Juve have many great players, many stars. We are humble, but very ambitious – we want to qualify.”