Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Higuain regardless of Pogba'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/89912/marotta-higuain-regardless-pogba

 

Aug 17, 2016

 

Juventus “would’ve signed Gonzalo Higuain even without selling Paul Pogba,” insists director general Beppe Marotta.

 

The two deals essentially cancelled each other out, as Higuain’s release clause was activated from Napoli for €90m while Manchester United broke the world transfer record by paying €105m plus €5m bonuses for Pogba.

 

“We respected what Paul wanted,” explained Marotta on Sky Sport Italia when asked why that move had gone through.

 

“However, I would’ve signed Gonzalo anyway even without selling Pogba.

 

“Higuain is the best buy of my career.”

 

Many would point to Pogba as the smartest deal, because he was signed as a free agent from Manchester United in 2012 and sold back to the same club for €105m four years later.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Juventus keen for reunion with

Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado - Marotta

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2932317/juventus-keen-

for-reunion-with-chelseas-juan-cuadrado-marotta

 

 

Aug 18, 2016

 

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta says the club are interested in bringing Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado back to Turin.

Cuadrado, 28, spent last season on loan at Juve, but has since returned to Chelsea, where he has struggled to impress since arriving from Fiorentina in 2015.

The Colombia international was not part of the Blues' squad for their opening Premier League win against West Ham on Monday, and Marotta says Juve would be happy to have him back in Italy.

"Of course we would welcome Cuadrado for many reasons," Marotta is quoted as saying by Il Corriere della Sera. "He always behaved well here and the experience we had with him was extremely positive.

"It's a question that will be resolved in the next few days at the most. He's a Chelsea player for now, but if the English club are open to talks, well we will open dialogue. We'll have to see."

Marotta has also thanked Inter Milan coach Frank de Boer for giving the defending Serie A champions extra motivation to succeed this season.

De Boer said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport that the Bianconeri will not be so strong this season after losing Paul Pogba to Manchester United.

Speaking at Juve's traditional in-house preseason friendly at Villar Perosa on Wednesday, Marotta acknowledged the Dutchman's words and said they will only serve to strengthen the club's desire to succeed again this term.

"If a football expert like him says that kind of thing, then you have got to believe him," Marotta said. "I personally think that we have absolutely improved our squad.

"We had a winning team already with a squad full of champions who have won and it's not easy to improve on that, but Pogba and [Alvaro] Morata have gone and [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Marko] Pjaca, Dani Alves, [Miralem] Pjanic and [Medhi] Benatia -- young, valuable and champions -- have joined.

"Anyway, we value what he says and will look to find extra stimuli to improve from them."

Given the investment Juve have made -- and Marotta insists they would have spent €90 million on Higuain even without selling Pogba for €105m to United -- the Italian champions are favourites to win the Serie A title for a sixth straight season.

Marotta does not see it as a one-horse race, though, and says that the usual suspects will all be in contention from when the season starts this weekend.

"I think the Scudetto is going to be contested between Juve, Inter, Napoli, Roma and AC Milan," he said. "It's not true that the rest are only fighting for second place."

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: Cuadrado in, Zaza out

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90103/marotta-cuadrado-zaza-out

 

Aug 20, 2016

 

Beppe Marotta confirmed Juventus are “optimistic” over Juan Cuadrado from Chelsea, while there’s still time to sell Simone Zaza.

 

The director of sport spoke to Mediaset Premium ahead of tonight’s Serie A opener against Fiorentina.

 

“I hope that over the next few days we can conclude the Cuadrado deal,” said Marotta.

 

The Colombian was not even on the bench for today’s 2-1 win away to Watford, fuelling reports he’ll arrive on loan for €3.5m.

 

“For now he is a Chelsea player. We presented a proposal to them and are waiting for a response, but we are optimistic.”

 

The race is still on to find a midfielder to replace Paul Pogba, although it may well be two.

 

“We are seeking a player who is suitable for our team. We also hope that within two months Claudio Marchisio will be back at our disposal.”

 

Zaza’s transfer to Wolfsburg collapsed at the last minute, but there is still interest from West Ham United and Milan.

 

“We spoke to Zaza. The transfer is not a punishment, but he would undoubtedly find more space elsewhere,” continued Marotta.

 

“There was the Wolfsburg idea, but it all fell apart. Over the final 10 days of the transfer window, we’ve got all the time to find him a new club.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Juan Cuadrado's return to Juventus

set in 'next few days' - Beppe Marotta

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2934402/juan-cuadrados-return-

to-juventus-to-be-set-in-next-few-days-beppe-marotta

 

Aug 21, 2016

 

Juan Cuadrado's return to Juventus should be completed in the coming days, according to the club's director Giuseppe Marotta.

The Colombia international shone on loan from Chelsea last season, and his agent was expected in London over the weekend to convince the Blues to let his client return to Turin.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said he was unsure of the status of the talks, but Marotta said he hoped to finalise a deal this week.

"I hope that over the next few days we can conclude the Cuadrado deal," Marotta told Mediaset.

"For now he is a Chelsea player. We presented a proposal to them and are waiting for a response, but we are optimistic."

However, Moratta conceded that Simone Zaza is set to leave the club to find more playing time.

"We spoke to Zaza," Marotta said. "The transfer is not a punishment, but he would undoubtedly find more space elsewhere.

"There was the Wolfsburg idea, but it all fell apart. Over the final 10 days of the transfer window, we've got all the time to find him a new club."

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Juventus against new Serie A rules

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90287/juventus-against-new-serie-rules

 

Aug 24, 2016

 

Juventus' sporting director Beppe Marotta spoke out against the new rules imposing a minimum number of Italian players in Serie A.

 

As of this season, all teams in the Italian championship will have to present a list of 25 eligible players, which must include four home-grown players from the youth squad, and four that have already played in Serie A for a minimum number of years.

 

While technically none of these eight players have to be Italian, the rule was specifically introduced to help cultivate local talent and to prevent an excessive reliance on foreign players.

 

“This is a rule that works against spectacle,” Marotta said, as reported by Tuttosport. “We're attempting to reboot our championship, but then rules like these are applied. It's senseless.

 

“This regulation, in this particular historical moment for the Italian movement, is strongly negative because it limits spectacle.”

 

Juventus, who may have to drop Hernanes from the Champions League because of similar rules within UEFA, have pushed for an alternative in the past.

 

Their ideal would be the promotion of 'second teams' or reserve squads, owned by the same Serie A club but made to compete in Lega Pro. This would allow teams to cultivate their own talents, particularly the youngsters, without having to loan them out to other clubs.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: ‘Optimistic for Matuidi’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90375/marotta-‘optimistic-matuidi’?

 

Aug 25, 2016

 

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta is “optimistic” about signing Blaise Matuidi from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

The Bianconeri have agreed a deal with the player, and following a meeting in Monaco today it appears that a transfer is very close.

 

“We’re looking for a midfielder and everyone knows it,” Marotta admitted to Premium Sport following the Champions League draw.

 

“Matuidi is the most suitable profile, but he’s a PSG player. We’ve had contact, we hope to define things in the coming days. I’m optimistic.”

 

Marotta then discussed today's draw, with the Old Lady to face Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb.

 

"We know what our role is, namely to win qualification regardless of our opponents. We have an obligation to win.

 

"The opponents might be less tough on paper, but Sevilla often win the Europa League and Dinamo and Lyon are dangerous.

 

"Are Juventus among the favourites? We feel ready for a challenging journey that could give us satisfaction, we want to do our best to get to the end.

 

"We've strengthened for that, to improve upon what we've done in recent years.

 

"The Champions League is a cup though, not a League. You need different factors and favourable circumstances, but our team has a very high standard.

 

"We'd like to have more Italians but our domestic football isn't giving much satisfaction, so we looked abroad.

 

"We've kept the core though, to win in Italy and in Europe."

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Juventus 'obliged' to reach knockouts of Champions League - Marotta

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2937374/juventus-

obliged-to-reach-knockouts-of-champions-league-marotta

 

Aug 25, 2016

 

Juventus' general manager Beppe Marotta says the Serie A club are "obliged" to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League after the 2015 finalistswere drawn in a group with Sevilla, Olympique Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb.

The Bianconeri got the better of the Spaniards a year ago, finishing second in their group behind Manchester City and condemning Sevilla to a place in the Europa League, which they went on to win for a third straight season.

Without the presence of City this time around, Juve and Sevilla will be favourites to progress and Marotta said that he expects nothing less from a club who have invested heavily in the transfer market this summer.

 

 

 

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"We are obliged to qualify for the knockout stages of this cup, and possibly to win this group," he said on Juventus.com. "We know one of our opponents -- Sevilla -- well while we faced another of them -- Lyon -- just a few years ago.

"The third, Dinamo Zagreb, are packed full of talented young players and we know all about that, since we signed [Marko] Pjaca from them [this summer]."

Pjaca is one of five big-name signings this summer, together with Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves and Medhi Benatia and it is due to that investment the Serie A champions, who are also aiming to win their domestic league for a sixth straight season, are so optimistic about progressing in Europe.

They reached the final of the competition two seasons ago, losing out to Barcelona, but the last 16 was as far as they got last season with just a matter of minutes separating them from victory over Bayern Munich.

"We feel ready for what will be a journey which will be challenging, but which will also reserve us plenty of satisfaction," said Marotta. "We want to go as far as possible and improve on what we did last year.

"This is precisely why we have strengthened our squad with many foreign players, but also a very strong Italian spine, which is fundamental to win here and abroad.

"The Champions League is a special competition and being the best isn't enough to win it -- you have got to be in top condition when the games arrive whereas in the league, the value of the winning team always emerges over the distance."

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

‘Zaza to West Ham close. Cuadrado…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90376/‘zaza-west-ham-close-cuadrado…’

 

Aug 25, 2016

 

Juventus' Giuseppe Marotta confirms Simone Zaza is close to West Ham United, but Chelsea “aren’t very open” to a Juan Cuadrado loan.

 

With less than a week to go until the transfer deadline, the Bianconeri are looking to finalise their squad for the season.

 

With Blaise Matuidi close to joining from Paris Saint-Germain, Marotta was asked about some other deals.

 

“Zaza to West Ham?” the general manager considered, speaking to Premium Sport.

 

“The negotiations is underway, we’re exchanging some emails. I think the conditions are there to close things in the coming days.

 

“Cuadrado? We want to have him for this season too, he’s shown he has quality and we want to have him back with us. For now he’s a Chelsea player and they’re not every open to a transfer.

 

“We’ll see.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: ‘Rodriguez? No chance...'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90381/marotta-‘rodriguez-no-chance?

 

Aug 25, 2016

 

General manager Giuseppe Marotta says there’s “almost no chance” of Juventus signing James Rodriguez.

 

Some reports in Spain had linked the Colombian international with the Bianconeri, as he’s seemingly not wanted by Coach Zinedine Zidane.

 

“James? There’s almost no chance,” Marotta shrugged, speaking to Sky.

 

“Blaise Matuidi? I can say that Monte Carlo is an important place to meet other directors. We’re looking for a midfielder and I won’t hide the fact that Matuidi has the right characteristics.

 

“We talked with PSG, but we didn’t define anything. I prefer to remain cautious, but we want to do an important deal.”

 

Marotta was largely reiterating what he’d said in an earlier interview with Premium Sport, and also returned to the subject of Juan Cuadrado.

 

“He’s a player we believe in, he has great technical and human qualities. He wants to come back to us, but he’s a Chelsea player.

 

“At this time there isn’t a total opening, but we’re confident that the will of the player and the willingness of the club will help us bring it to fruition.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

‘Matuidi perfect for Juventus’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90384/‘matuidi-perfect-juventus’

 

Aug 25, 2016

 

Giuseppe Marotta believes Blaise Matuidi “could be perfect” for Juventus, and reiterates Simone Zaza is close to West Ham United.

 

The Bianconeri general manager is in Monte Carlo for the Champions League draw, and has given interviews to Sky and Premium Sport.

 

The transfer chief has also spoken to Tuttomercatoweb this evening, and despite the words of Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, he’s keen to bring Matuidi to Turin.

 

“We’re looking for a midfielder,” Marotta reiterated.

 

“Matuidi is a player whose qualities could be perfect for our needs, but at the moment he’s a Paris Saint-Germain player.

 

“Zaza, as you know, could go to West Ham and we’re not hiding that. We’ll see.

 

"So we’re not just here for the draw? That’s mainly what we’re here for, but when you meet friends and directors from other teams sometimes you can also talk about the transfer market.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Matuidi won't join Juve'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90490/marotta-matuidi-wont-join-juve

 

Aug 27, 2016

 

Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirmed Blaise Matuidi is “not on the market. We’re missing the cherry, but it’s still a nice cake.”

 

The Bianconeri had been expected to sign Matuidi this week, but Paris Saint-Germain suddenly announced he’d be extending his contract.

 

“Nothing in particular happened,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium. “We asked for Matuidi and PSG politely told us he was not on the market.

 

“These things happen. I think the issue is concluded, as they made a pretty explicit statement. For now it’s safe to say it’s over, but I have to underline how difficult it is to find players who suit our needs.

 

“I also wish to point out how Kwadwo Asamoah is a rediscovered player.”

 

Marotta was asked about other options such as Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic or Moussa Sissoko of Newcastle United.

 

“We are missing the cherry on the cake. If we find it, that’s fine, otherwise we’ll be happy with the nice cake. It is nonetheless a squad that corresponds with our objectives.

 

“If there is the opportunity to improve what we already have, then we will, otherwise there’s no point buying players just for the sake of it.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Report: Juventus working on contract extensions

for Leonardo Bonucci, Paulo Dybala

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/9/4/12790804/juventus-

leonardo-bonucci-paulo-dybala-2016-contract-extension-rumors

 

 

Sep 4, 2016

 

When your team starts to truly achieve more and more domestically over more than just a season or two, in Europe or both, your top players are going to attract the interest of others. Not all of them will move to, oh I dunno, the team they used to play for, but they will be the subject of rumors and other suitors.

Like it or not, that’s just how it is, that’s how it’s always going to be and there’s really nothing we can do about it. Well, at least when it comes to the dumb transfer rumors part of it.

But Juventus apparently has an idea. It’s one that a lot of us can support, too.

According to the Sunday morning edition of Tuttosport and other Italian media outlets, Juventus are working on contract extensions for both defender Leonardo Bonucci and striker Paulo Dybala. The thought process behind it, according to said reports, is to not only give Bonucci and Dybala a nice raise in terms of yearly salaries but also use it as a way to fend of any potential suitors that the two stalwarts may have in the coming transfer windows.

Not that Bonucci — rumored to be offered €5 million a season — and/or Dybala — rumored to be offered in the area of €4.5 million a season — have given indications that they want to leave. Both do seem quite happy right where they are. But you never know. It’s a different world these days.

Of the two, it seems as though the renewal of Bonucci’s contract is further along.Tuttomercatoweb seems to think that a possible agreement between Bonucci’s representatives and Juventus’ management team is relatively close. This wouldn’t be the first time in recent weeks that contract extension talk has been mentioned, with an Aug. 18 report from Sky Italia suggesting that Juve had opened talks with Bonucci — who was linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City during the recently-closed summer transfer window — to keep him in Turin for the foreseeable future.

While his tenure at Juventus isn’t as long as Bonucci, there’s no denying that the big-money European giants are going to come calling about Dybala if they hadn’t already. There have been rumors of Barcelona being interested in the young Argentine dating back to his days with Palermo. There’s going to be plenty of other chatter surrounding Dybala if he continues to progress at the current rate he’s at. He’s just too good not to have the richest of the rich trying to sign him away from Juventus.

So, yes, contract extensions for all of the really good players sounds like a great plan. Keep them coming because I like when Juventus has really good players on its roster.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Witsel-Juve only delayed'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91091/marotta-witsel-juve-only-delayed

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Beppe Marotta confirmed Axel Witsel’s transfer to Juventus “is just delayed” from Zenit and Blaise Matuidi “wanted to come here.”

 

The director of sport sat down with JTV to discuss the transfer market this summer, including a failed deadline day move for Belgium international Witsel.

 

“The squad in its entirety is competitive, certainly stronger than last season. Naturally it’s not perfect, so there are weaknesses, but we can count on someone like Kwadwo Asamoah who barely played last year and Mario Lemina who is turning into a little champion.

 

“Witsel was an opportunity that emerged and with the collaboration of Zenit we submitted the player to a medical. In the end Zenit were unable to sign a replacement, so we consider this to be merely a delayed move.

 

“Over the last few weeks Witsel has repeatedly stated he wants to come here and play for Juventus.”

 

Witsel was the alternative to first choice, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Matuidi.

 

“We started negotiations with PSG, it did not close, as unfortunately there are dynamics between player and club that we can’t get into. Matuidi expressed the desire to come and play with us, but he was not our player and quite rightly PSG held on tight.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Pogba wanted Juve exit'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91092/marotta-pogba-wanted-juve-exit

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Juventus director Beppe Marotta was “satisfied with the transfer market, but not everything went as we hoped,” including Paul Pogba.

 

It has certainly been a busy summer for the Bianconeri, selling Pogba, but bringing in Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Marko Pjaca, Medhi Benatia, Juan Cuadrado and more.

 

However, the transfer window also saw Axel Witsel’s €21m move from Zenit collapse on deadline day.

 

“We are satisfied with the market and I wish to thank all those who worked to achieve these results,” Marotta told JTV.

 

“It is only normal that objectives are not all achieved, otherwise we’d have perfection. Not everything went as we hoped, but we are still very satisfied, as we did get many of the targets we had set.

 

“The transfer market over two windows in the summer and January is the synthesis of work that happens throughout the year monitoring players and situations.

 

“That means we are already working for the future to find promising young players and interesting opportunities.”

 

The transfer deadline has just passed, but fans are already asking who will arrive in January.

 

“I hope we don’t buy anyone in January, as that will mean the current squad did brilliantly, but the aim of Juventus is to improve always. The January window is complementary to the current squad, so it’s a bit early to say, but we are keeping an eye on various situations.”

 

Juventus spent €90m to activate Gonzalo Higuain’s release clause from Napoli, but also sold Pogba to Manchester United for €105m plus €5m bonuses.

 

“We always said we never wanted to sell Pogba, as he was an important figure for the club, the Coach and the fans. He wanted a change of scenery and to experience a different situation, so faced with that we had to enter into negotiations and try to make him happy.

 

“We had already targeted Higuain and he was the main image we had in our head, but it was a coincidence that this happened at the same time that Pogba asked to leave.”

 

Mino Raiola believes soon a club will pay the first €240m price-tag for a player.

 

“In recent years the figures have climbed rapidly, even to an illogical degree. Mind you, revenues have increased, individual clubs have big backers and this money is ploughed into the transfer market as well as the wages.

 

“In England clubs have far more available money than the other Leagues, so that skews the market.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Champions League Juve objective'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91093/champions-league-juve-objective?

 

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Juventus chief Beppe Marotta reassured Stephan Lichtsteiner and Claudio Marchisio, calling the Champions League “an objective.”

 

The director of sport sat down with JTV for an in-depth interview. You can read the rest of it here and here.

 

“Every time Juventus take part in a competition, it is their duty to attempt victory. We must always target the ultimate and aim to go all the way, so naturally the Champions League is something we want to achieve.

 

“It is not a dream, nor an obsession, but quite simply an objective for this club.”

 

Do huge investments guarantee success in football or can a Leicester City-style fairy-tale still happen?

 

“Now football is to be considered a business, so when there is competence and motivation, you’re more likely to achieve your aim.

 

“The Champions League is a tournament more than a League, so there is a certain unpredictability about it and you need to have everyone fit and on form in the right moment. On the other hand, the domestic league is more spread out and in the long run the strongest team will emerge.”

 

Lichtsteiner was surprisingly left off the Champions League squad list, as Juan Cuadrado and Dani Alves have the right flank covered.

 

“We are very grateful to Lichtsteiner for all he has done, but the thing about a football team is there’s competition for places. All players should be happy when champions arrive, as it strengthens the team overall and increases chances of success.

 

“He cannot take part in the early phase of the tournament, but could potentially come back in later. His contract is about to expire, but we do have an option to extend it. This is not a disciplinary move.”

 

Marchisio is included, despite being out of action after knee ligament surgery.

 

“Marchisio had this serious injury, but the predictions are within a couple of months he could get back to being the Marchisio of old. He’s a guarantee. We are all here waiting for him, as not only is he the player who always wore the Juventus jersey, but he’s also precious for the team.

 

“We are in a process of evolution for Juventus that started in 2010. We want players who can increase the quality level of our team and all the resources of the club have been aimed at investments for the sporting arena.”

 

The Bianconeri won the first two games of the Serie A season, but Marotta has a warning.

 

“Last year we started very badly and then recovered. We mustn’t rest on our laurels.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Milan approached Juve's Paratici

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91096/milan-approached-juves-paratici?

 

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Milan tried to poach Fabio Paratici from Juventus, but he turned them down, so they look elsewhere for a sporting director.

 

The Rossoneri are revamping the club ahead of a Chinese takeover, which should be completed by November.

 

Umberto Gandini already left today after 23 years at San Siro and is expected to join the Roma staff.

 

According to both Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia, Milan approached Juventus director Paratici to offer him a job, but he turned them down.

 

The favourite remains ex-Fiorentina director of sport Daniele Pradè.

 

There are other options, such as Bari’s Sean Sogliano and Riccardo Bigon, formerly of Napoli.

 

An intriguing alternative put forward by Sky Sport Italia is current chief of Inter scouting Massimiliano Mirabelli.

 

It is already known Marco Fassone, a former Inter director, will be taking over Milan on behalf of the Chinese investors.

 

Meanwhile, Demetrio Albertini has been contacted for a role as charismatic leader linking the club to the squad.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta happy with Paratici stay

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91231/marotta-happy-paratici-stay

 

 

Sep 10, 2016

 

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta describes himself as ‘pleased’ that Milan made an approach for sporting director Fabio Paratici.

 

44-year-old Paratici has been with the Bianconeri since 2010 and has been heavily involved in a great period of success for the Turin club.

 

His excellent track record reportedly made him a target for the Rossoneri hierarchy, who are looking to rebuild the club following a recent Chinese takeover.

 

“I am pleased that Paratici has been courted. It shows that I brought in a director with great quality,” Marotta said to Premium Sport ahead of his team’s Serie A match with Sassuolo.

 

“But he is staying with us, there is no problem.”

 

Marotta also passed comment on Domenico Berardi, who was once co-owned by the Old Lady but made the decision to remain with Sassuolo in order to play more first team football.

 

“With Berardi we had a moral priority, not a written one. We’ll see what happens, but the player belongs to Sassuolo.

 

“He is one of the most important talents in Italian football who could fit in at a club like ours. We will see what happens.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: ‘Morata? Never say never…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91534/marotta-‘morata-never-say-never…’

 

 

Sep 16, 2016

 

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta hopes Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata can come back for a “definitive marriage” one day.

 

The Spanish forward spent two seasons in Turin, but this summer Los Merengues activated a buyback clause in his contract and brought him back to Bernabeu.

 

“In football you can never say never,” Marotta hinted when asked if Morata could return one day.

 

“We knew we risked losing him and we were sad. His love for Juventus is an important prerequisite so he could one day come back for a definitive marriage.”

 

The Bianconeri were held to a 0-0 draw by Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Marotta was asked about the gap to Europe’s leading lights.



 

“I don’t know if the gap has been wiped-out, I’d just say that Juventus have changed our role in the Champions League in recent years.

 

“We were outsiders, and today the critics place us among the protagonists and potential winners. The transformation has taken place over a number of years, and clearly there were certain difficulties.

 



“Real Madrid, Barcelona, United, City and Bayern are now certainties and we know that they do not need improvements to play a leading role.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'I didn't get Pogba gift!'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91966/marotta-i-didnt-get-pogba-gift?

 

 

Sep 24, 2016

 

Juventus director Beppe Marotta denied a Manchester City offer for Leonardo Bonucci or expensive gifts from Paul Pogba.

 

Marotta spoke to Mediaset Premium before kick-off at the Stadio Barbera and was asked if Dybala had agreed a contract renewal.

 

“I will not confirm or deny that. We have frequent contact with the agents of various players and we’ll examine his situation too.”

 

What of stories in England that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City were making a new proposal for Bonucci in January?

 

“No, that’s not what I heard. Right now no players would be transferable anyway and we haven’t received any offers.”

 

And finally, were Tuttosport right in claiming that Pogba visited the Juventus training camp yesterday with expensive watches for all the players and members of the club?

 

“Did Pogba bring gifts to the squad? I didn’t get anything! It would not be a logical situation and that’s only right. He is free to do what he wants with his money, but he does not owe us any debt of gratitude. We are grateful to him.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Juventus will return for Witsel'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92413/marotta-juventus-will-return-witsel?

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta confirms that the club will look to sign Axel Witsel either in January or next summer.

 

The Belgian international was on the verge of joining the Bianconeri on transfer deadline day, but the deal fell through after Zenit St Petersburg couldn't find a replacement.

 

The director already ruled out a move for Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and it seems likely that Witsel is the main target, with his contract expiring next summer.

 

“We have an obligation to monitor all players,” Marotta explained on Radio Anch’io Sport.

 

“Witsel is in an easier position, facilitated by the expiration of his contract. We will try to take him in January or June.”

 

Marotta was also asked about the objectives for this season, with the Old Lady looking to make an impact in the Champions League.

 

"Our strong point is the defence. We have to do our best, we've improved the squad and the club has grown a lot.

 

"We've doubled our revenue, we've made expensive investments and we bought with the idea of raising the bar.

 

"We'll try to do as well as possible in Serie A and the Champions Leauge, let's see what happens."

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta plans for Buffon retirement

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92417/marotta-plans-buffon-retirement?

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta talks of the difficulties in replacing "best goalkeeper in history" Gianluigi Buffon when he retires.

 

The 38-year-old stopper has played for the Bianconeri since signing from Parma in 2001, and the impact caused by his future absence for club and country simply cannot be overestimated.

 

“The heir to Buffon? The biggest problem is to replace the best goalkeeper in football history.

 

“We will try to get closer to finding a replacement on the same level. His desire, in any case, is to continue.”

 

The Old Lady supremo continued, and was also keen to quash any rumours of discontent from striker Mario Mandzukic.

 

“This is the last time I will speak on the alledged grievances of Mandzukic and the explosion of Marko Pjaca.”

 

“There will be space for all the players this season, they must have patience.

 

“The most important work of Pjaca has not been on Sundays but during the week.

 

“Since he has arrived, he has fit right in, he has improved so much. His moment will come.” 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta on Witsel, Juventus renewals

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92779/marotta-witsel-juventus-renewals

 

Oct 11, 2016

 

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta admits “meetings every week” for renewals, and won’t be drawn on Axel Witsel.

 

The Bianconeri are believed to be working on new contracts for Paulo Dybala and Leonardo Bonucci, while Witsel has been linked with a January move after a summer transfer collapsed.

 

“Missing Marchisio? It seems a bit exaggerated to me,” Marotta told SportMediaset.

 

“We felt his absence of course, but I think the Juventus squad is competitive enough to make up for any absence.

 

“Witsel? The transfer window only closed recently, we continue to follow every possibility, monitoring different situations. I don’t feel like it’s something to go into too much.

 

“As for renewals, they’re a recurring dynamic at a football club. There’s nothing to reveal, meetings with agents take place every week.”

 

Gianluigi Buffon has been criticised after his mistake for Italy against Spain, but Marotta defended the Juve captain.

 

“Buffon has written pages in the history of Italian football that can never be erased. Some headlines are just to criticise.”

 

Finally, the director spared a few words for Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik, who will be out for around four months with a cruciate ligament injury.

 

“Best wishes to the player. We like to win, but with our opponents at full strength.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

Juventus working on Dybala and Bonucci contracts, says Marotta

 

 

The Argentine star was in top form in Saturday's 2-1 win over Udinese,

and both he and the inspirational defender are in line to receive new deals.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/10/15/28511372/-?

 

 

Oct 15, 2016

 

Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that work is ongoing to extend the current contracts of both Leonardo Bonucci and Paulo Dybala.

 

The Serie A champions sit five points clear at the top of the table after Dybala's double saw Juve come from behind to beat lowly Udinese 2-1 on Saturday, Gianluigi Buffon's error having seen them go behind. 

 

And, speaking before that match at the Juventus Stadium, Marotta commented that he is keen to tie down the long-term future of the Argentine – signed from Palermo in 2015 – as well as Italy centre-back Bonucci, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window.

 

"The renewals of Dybala and Bonucci - they are two players that have long contracts," Marotta told Premium Sport.

 

"But we are talking with them to see them [extend] again, because it is the players' performance in the team, and because it is right to also adapt them according to the balance within the squad and their place in it."

 

Bonucci, who extended his contract in July 2015, has four years left to run on his current terms, with Dybala's deal also running until 2020.

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Juventus on 'alert' for January transfer

window targets - Beppe Marotta

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2987774/juventus-on-alert

-for-january-transfer-window-targets-beppe-marotta

 

 

Nov 3, 2016

 

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has said the club are "alert and looking around" for potential January transfer window signings.

Serie A champions Juve saw their hopes of securing a Champions League knockout stage place on Wednesday dashed when Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso levelled in a 1-1 draw at the Juventus Stadium.

And Marotta told Mediaset television: "He's a good player, but he's not one of our players.

"We are alert and looking around for January, but I would like to underline the quality of the squad we already have, which is already giving us big results.

"The return of Claudio Marchisio is fundamental for our midfield, but I don't believe there are any opportunities for us to improve the quality level of our squad, which is doing well both in Italy and in Europe, in January.

"Axel Witsel was one such opportunity, but we were not able to get him."

Juve may make a renewed bid to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg's Witsel, who is available on a free transfer next summer.

The Belgium international already has an agreement with the Bianconeri when the transfer window opens, although Marotta is considering alternatives.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

Marotta: 'Juve patient with Pjanic'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/93996/marotta-juve-patient-pjanic?

 

 

Nov 6, 2016

 

Juventus director Beppe Marotta urged “patience” on Miralem Pjanic, confirmed Rodrigo Bentancur and ignored Gigi Buffon controversy.

 

Marotta spoke to Mediaset Premium at the Stadio Bentegodi and was asked about a possible January arrival for Bentancur from Boca Juniors.

 

“We have an option on Bentancur that we can exercise by April. It is very probable we will do that.

 

“Marco Verratti? I have nothing to say, he is a very good player.”

 

One of Juve’s big buys this summer was Pjanic from Roma, but he has played in several different positions and systems so far without finding his form.

 

“Pjanic has settled in with difficulty, but is an excellent professional and has all the characteristics to make his mark. In recent years he proved his quality, so we just need to patience to wait for him.

 

“People expect a modern player to be eclectic and the Coach must get the best out of his resources by adapting the tactical system. I think Pjanic can be considered a versatile figure.

 

“The history of Juventus has been dominated by many victories and a great deal of criticism, so we are accustomed to it.

 

“The team is excellent, we are top of the Serie A table with 27 points and doing well in the Champions League. Nobody is perfect, we must work every day to improve.”