| |
 |  |
|
| Mourinho: Title is in our grasp |
Sunday 5 April, 2009 |
|
With a nine-point lead and eight games to go, Jose Mourinho admits the Scudetto is nearly secured, but “it's not over yet.”
This weekend was meant to be decisive in letting Juventus back into the race, but their 3-3 home draw with Chievo and Inter's 1-0 victory away to Udinese expanded the gap.
“The Scudetto is closer now, but it's not over yet,” said the Special One after this evening's encounter at the Stadio Friuli.
“There are many points still up for grabs and we need at least five more victories. We have been able to improve our lead upon second place even in a round that on paper was very difficult for us.
“Chievo played a great game and, with a bit of luck, we were able to win. We were fortunate, as we won with an own goal and also the penalty on Fabio Quagliarella could have been given.”
Udinese were furious just before half-time when Quagliarella seemed to be brought down by Julio Cesar, but the referee waved play on.
The home side had the better of the play and more scoring opportunities, but Mauricio Isla accidentally put the ball into his own net.
“Udinese have many great players and they put us under pressure,” continued Mourinho.
“As for us, [Davide] Santon was tired and didn't have a great game, while I saw Maxwell do extremely well. He's a player I really like.”
Maxwell had dropped out of the squad entirely after 18-year-old Santon was switched from right-back to left.
With Douglas Maicon injured possibly for the rest of the season, Santon returned to his original role and yet seemed to struggle there.
The next round also seems to be in favour of Inter, as Juve must travel to fourth-placed Genoa while they welcome Palermo to San Siro.
|
|
|
Udi 0-1 Int: Friulani gift Inter Scudetto?
Udinese had by far the better of the play, but lost to a Mauricio Isla own goal and so Inter go nine points clear at the top. More
Wk30: Juve held in six-goal thriller
Sergio Pellissier's hat-trick holds Juve to a six-goal thriller! Napoli fight back at Samp and Genoa conquer the Granillo to stay fourth. Reports
|
|
| |
| |
