Ciro Ferrara has only given himself a “33 per cent chance” of staying on the Juventus bench next season, as “it is no longer a two-horse race.”
The caretaker manager earned a 3-0 victory away to Siena on his debut after Claudio Ranieri’s dismissal and had said it was a 50-50 shot between him and Bari boss Antonio Conte.
“Tomorrow feels like the last day of school for me, the lads and the staff, but we mustn’t let the emotions of the occasion get to us when we have another exam to sit against Lazio,” said Ferrara.
“I am relaxed, I knew what I was getting into when I accepted this role. I was given a clear and honest appraisal of what it would entail.
“Next week the club should make its definitive decision on the new Coach. It has been a great opportunity for me and a risk worth taking.”
While Conte is still very much the favourite, over the last few days Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc has crept on to the scene.
“Up until a few days ago it seemed like it was between me and Conte, but it seems that another name has entered the fray, so my chances have dropped from 50 per cent to 33. It is no longer a two-horse race.”
Ferrara hopes to at least maintain his 100 per cent record on the bench when Juve take on Lazio and perhaps set himself up for next season at a different club.
“I am satisfied with the way the lads have worked over the past two weeks. Now we want the icing on the cake: second place. I needed answers from the players and I got them.”
There is more uncertainty surrounding the squad, as Pavel Nedved should announce later today whether he will retire or extend his contract for another year.
“I don’t know what his decision will be, as he is unpredictable,” added Ferrara. “Physically he could easily carry on for another year. If he decides to quit, it will be like saying goodbye to Paolo Maldini.”
Tiago Mendes is in the squad for Sunday’s game in Turin, but Paolo De Ceglie is still out with an ankle problem.
Juventus squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Mellberg, Zebina, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Amauri, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Manninger, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Poulsen, Marchisio, Giovinco, Tiago, Marchionni, Legrottaglie
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