Juventus news

Conte: 'This Juve will be remembered'

19-05-2014

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Antonio Conte refused to discuss his future, instead noting “people will talk about this Juventus side for a long time to come.”

The Coach will not commit himself to the club for next season and batted away all questions after the presentation of the Serie A trophy.

“I am very, very happy,” he told Sky Sport Italia ahead of the open top bus tour through Turin.

“In all honesty, I didn’t think we could reach 102 points. Our objective was to achieve a third consecutive Scudetto, which was history and always our primary target that we focused on.

“Once we achieved that, we tried to reach this famous figure that seems incredible. The players were special with three straight titles and a record of points, but they surpassed themselves because 102 points will be very tough to beat.

“I will never stop thanking them. I tried to pull them to the end, but it wasn’t hard to get them going really. I continually thank them, as over three years they have been incredible.

“At times people forget that victory is an exception, not normality. They were exceptional, the staff, club and fans also.”

The crowd at the Juventus Stadium waved huge banners calling for Conte to remain with them, but again ignored all questions about his decision.

“Today I exclusively want to concentrate on what we achieved this season and over three years. There has been so much talk about this and at the end I just want to celebrate this achievement we earned with sweat and heart.

“These lads tore up records upon records and people will talk about this Juventus side for a long time to come.

“I understand it is your job to ask about these things, but I would like respect to focus only on the celebrations and enjoy this moment with the fans and players. I don’t want anyone taking any phrases out of context and turning them into a boomerang.

“The so-called soap opera will end when it has to end, in a very calm and relaxed manner.”

Conte’s Juve won for the third year in a row and he believes the secret of their success is all in the mind.

“I think if we had lacked that team spirit, then it would’ve been a disaster. That sustained us in every way against a tough antagonist like Roma.

“We have formed a ferocious mentality over these years. Even after staying up late to celebrate the Scudetto, we still concentrated and beat Atalanta, then Roma a week later.

“The mentality built over the last three years has certainly made the difference between Juventus and the other teams. Our secret has been the locker room.

“I will say our third choice goalkeeper Rubinho has barely played in three years, but I thank him because he was always an encouraging and helpful presence in the locker room. I’d like to single him out.”