Juve stand by Delneri

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has thrown his support behind manager Luigi Delneri after their 1-0 loss to Serie A leaders AC Milan on Saturday.

Juve have won the Italian top-flight title more times than any other club – 27 – but are far from claiming title number 28 after three consecutive losses to lie in seventh spot this campaign some 20 points from the leaders.

But Marotta declared Delneri’s job safe as the Bianconeri look to fight for a spot in European football next season, as they are five points behind sixth-placed Roma.

“Yes he is (still Juventus’ coach), because we think he isn’t the only one to accuse. We all need to share responsibilities. We are aware that we are going through a tough moment, but we will continue working together,” Marotta said.

Delneri said he had received the board’s vote of confidence as he looks to steer the club back into the top six.

“The club should not renovate its trust after every match, we know the difficulties we have and will go ahead on our way. I don’t have any doubts about what I do here and on what I produce here, so I will keep on going as before,” Delneri said.

On their loss at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, Delneri said their performance was deserving of a point.

“The defeats against Bologna or Lecce hurt more than this. This one is just a consequence of the first two. The disappointment and negativity come from there,” he said.

“We won against AC Milan in Milan. AC Milan is a tough opponent and I think my team has played well today.”

“Up to the goal the two teams were on the same terms, then of course there were some mistakes of various kind, but the team has played well today defensively, conceding not much to AC Milan, considering the qualities they have in attack, so I have nothing to say against the team.”