Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer one of Turin. He returned to Manchester United after finishing the Juventus challenge two days ago. The 36-year-old Portuguese forward has to wait a while to play for the old club. Ronaldo may be able to wear the United jersey in the second week of September after the busyness of international football.
We have to wait and see what United will do with Ronaldo. But an indication of what Juventus would do without him was found yesterday. Juventus lost 1-0 at home to weak Nepoli. The grief of parting ways with Ronaldo is bound to make Juventus fans feel even greater. But Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says to forget Ronaldo.
Juventus also suffered in the previous match in the league. Ronaldo dropped out of the XI in that match against Udinese amid uncertainty over his transfer, and when he came on as a substitute in the second half, Juventus led 2-1. The score line was 2-2 at the end of the scheduled 90 minutes, after which Ronaldo celebrated the team’s victory by scoring a goal in the last minute of added time. But Juventus had to accept the draw as the video assistant referee canceled the goal. That match was Ronaldo’s last match at this club.
Still drew that day, Juventus lost tomorrow! Allegri has no objection to admitting that Ronaldo’s departure is creating a big void in the team. But Cristiano Juventus has spent three years, scoring a lot of goals — something he can do very well. He is a great player, but from now on we can no longer think of Ronaldo.
Despite Ronaldo being in the team, Juventus lost the Serie A trophy, which became ‘private property’ last season, after 9 seasons. This time Ronaldo is not there. In such a situation, the supporters can no longer hope for the title. But Allegri wants to reassure supporters, ‘I have a great squad. We just have to remember that it is not always possible to show power. We have to be one and it will work in the future. I am always optimistic.
If you are satisfied with the squad in hand, then how did Juventus beat Nepoli ? The Italian coach replied, ‘The boys started well, they forgot to score their first goal. Then he was in a hurry. We need to be patient enough to keep our heads cool. We have to play as a team and stop trying to solve all the problems alone.
