Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc maintains Ciro Ferrara was “the ideal candidate” and not second choice.
Ferrara was handed a two-year contract on Friday evening to become their new Coach after winning both games as a caretaker manager.
However, before the appointment there had been strong links with Bari boss Antonio Conte, Bordeaux’s Laurent Blanc and Roma tactician Luciano Spalletti.
“We met with people in a discreet fashion who we wanted to exchange ideas with,” confessed Blanc.
“The only guarantee we had given him was that he was in a very short list we had for the future and he took his chance brilliantly.”
Ferrara won both matches in charge of the squad, against Siena and Lazio, to secure second place and automatic Champions League qualification following Claudio Ranieri’s dismissal.
“Our decision was ruled by Ciro’s qualities, as three weeks ago he proved character by immediately replying to our call with readiness, heart and a work ethic.
“His staff showed confidence and determination over those 15 days. It is a decision tied with our overall project of a tight bond between the youth sector and first team.”
Ferrara had worked for three years as the co-ordinator for the youth sector at Juventus, so this is his first real Coaching experience.
“In these five days we drew up a precise identikit of the ideal candidate and Ciro had everything we were looking for.
“We also took our time so he could think carefully about the responsibility he was taking on.”
The former Bianconeri defender has already been compared with Pep Guardiola’s ascent to the Barcelona throne.
“Aged 40 a man can do well on the bench, as this is not a gamble, but rather a courageous choice. A Coach has a difficult task and we think knowing the Juve environment is important so Ferrara avoids the same problems had by [Didier] Deschamps and Ranieri.”
|
