JUVE 101:INTRO TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE OLD LADY

This is an introductory course for effective management of Italy’s most successful football club. Given the successes chalked by the Bianconeri, it’s paramount for a non-footballing person like Blanc and a novice on the market like Secco to go through this crush course by 31/1/10, or fail my paper.

Mr. Blanc, you show solidarity and trust towards the team after setbacks like defeats to Bayern, Milan and Chievo, not after beating Inter. Refusing to do so amid heightened speculations of possible replacements to Cirro, makes the coach insecure, and destroys the unity of the camp.

Secco, you make purchases that are consistent with the football philosophy of your trainer. Purchasing Melo for his exploits in a 5-match tournament in South Africa, while you were in advanced negotiations for a ball-playing midfielder you needed so badly was a grave error. Not only was he too expensive, he failed to live up to expectations.  A sporting director of a side like Juve should be proactive and not reactive.

Juve played with a target man and second striker, with two wingers, over their successful periods. But bringing in a playmaker in the form of Diego, despite his technical abilities was bound to disrupt the team, and so more personnel were needed in other departments of the team.

Players who underperformed over 3 years are not given lucrative contracts. Molinaro is one such, and despite his loyalty and been loved by Ranieri, was not up to Juve’s standards, just like Gila couldn’t make it at Milan. Instead, quality players like Pavel and Cristiano are maintained at all cost, and not left to strenghten your opponents. They are convinced to stay, while possible replacements are ushered gradually into the team. See Giggs, Scholes and Neville at ManU. Otherwise, the right personnel must be readily available to take their places before letting them go. Barca sold Eto after lining up Zlatan; ManU sold Ronnie when the cash was too tempting and also had Valencia in line.

Back to Blanc, and i say kudos for bringing Bettega on board.. My only advice is you give him enough room both with the media and the transfer of players.

I wish you both the best of luck in the upcoming business-end of the season.

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