Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus €45m better off this year than in 2012

The Bianconeri are still set to record a loss in the current financial year, but the six-month

report shows that the side are reaping the rewards of domestic and European ventures.

Feb 28, 2013

Juventus have recorded a significant turnaround in their monetary fortunes this financial year, reporting a €45.9 million better return than 12 months ago.

Champions League participation and success, alongside continued Serie A dominance, has helped the Bianconeri record a profit of €11.3m, which is notable due to the club having made a loss of €34.6m in the same period.

Despite the reigning Italian champions' profits in the first six months of the year, however, the club claim that the forecast for this financial year is a loss, albeit a much less significant one than the one announced in 2012.

A move from the Stadio Olimpico to the Juventus Stadium is believed to be a major factor in the upturn in their economic outlook, with full ownership of the ground allowing them to more flexibility with advertising and seat pricing.

The €42.8m they have made in Champions League broadcast money is another factor to consider in the six-month report, while expenditure has included new contracts for the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Matri, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci.

The Old Lady have also paid €11.7m to the Turin local council for land adjacent to the current stadium, which will allow them to build new structures such as a media centre and new training facilities.

The worldwide recession has seen purse strings tightened in Serie A over the past couple of years, while Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules forbid club's from spending beyond their means or face being barred from Europe.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta confirms Ibra talks

Mar 16, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has confirmed they “talked” to PSG about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but his wages are a stumbling block.

The newspapers in Italy have been filled with reports of Bianconeri interest in the Swede, who had started his Serie A career in Turin before walking away post-Calciopoli in 2006.

“It is certain that Pavel Nedved and Leonardo talked about Ibra,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia before today’s game with Bologna.

“Ibra is a great player, but not the type we are looking for in terms of age and economic parameters.

“Without doubt he is a champion, but at this moment Italian clubs cannot sign players who earn such high wages. We appreciate him a great deal, who wouldn’t like a player like him? However, it is not possible.”

Marotta commented on the Scudetto race and Juve’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

“The Scudetto has to be taken one step at a time, like a cycling tour, and it’s no good winning the penultimate stage if someone else goes on the podium.

“We are concentrating on Serie A without ignoring the Champions League, as we want to go all the way in both competitions.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Conte staying, no to Ibra

Mar 18, 2013

Juventus insist that Antonio Conte will continue as Coach, but he won’t have Zlatan Ibrahimovic at his disposal next season.

Conte raised doubts about his future on Sunday after being criticised for his actions at the end of the 2-0 win over Bologna.

“It was a post-match comment,” director general Beppe Marotta told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport on Monday.

“Conte is a great Coach and I hope he will remain at Juventus for a long time to come.

“I understand that not everyone is like Alex Ferguson, but I am convinced that we will have him with us for many more years.”

The tactician also spoke after the game about the hostile climate that continually awaits his side when they travel in Serie A.

“The situation is deteriorating,” Marotta commented. “When we play away from home we are always escorted by armoured police.

“It seems as if we have gone back in time to the Roman arenas where there were gladiators. The world of football alone can do little, it is a matter of culture.”

Turning to on the field matters, Marotta was confident of Scudetto success – but admitted it may be more difficult in the Champions League with Bayern Munich next.

“We are very well placed in the League, but there are still 27 points on offer. We are aware of our ability, so there is optimism.

“We have created a model club and squad. There is a Coach who is hungry, as well as the players. Everybody plays with enthusiasm and knowledge of wearing an important jersey.

“When it comes to the Champions League you are talking about a tournament, not a championship. Often luck plays a major role. Think about Chelsea last year.

“We are happy to be back on the European stage and we hope that fortune will be with us.”

Marotta also justified the January capture of Nicolas Anelka, who has hardly played, and ruled out a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahimovic.

“Anelka was a free signing, we had Nicklas Bendtner injured and we wanted to strengthen the offensive department in anticipation of possible injuries.

“The operation was relevant but does not burden the future. It was linked to a contingency plan.

“Ibra? Pavel Nedved made ​​a technical comment about him. This assessment is one that we may agree with, but his parameters are not in line with ours. He will not be a Juventus player.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus put transfers on hold

Mar 20, 2013

Juventus insist they won’t consider their transfer market strategy until this season has come to an end.

Director general Beppe Marotta was again questioned on the possibility of a top player arriving in the summer, but the official was reluctant to discuss options.

“We are just thinking about our objectives for this campaign,” Marotta noted on Wednesday. “We’ll evaluate things further down the line.

“However, our present squad should be respected.”

While Marotta was cautious over what the squad could look like next season, he was adamant that boss Antonio Conte would still be in charge.

“He’ll stay with us. I’m 100 per cent sure of that,” the former Sampdoria employee continued. “Antonio represents Juventus-ness and he has a great relationship with the President.

“Could he become a kind of Sir Alex Ferguson? I hope so. I’m in favour of a Coach with such a profile.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus back among European elite, says Marotta

The Old Lady director feels proud with his side's return to the European top

this season, and is dreaming of winning more silverware.

Mar 21, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has voiced his delight with his side's return to the Champions League and has set his sights on both European and domestic glory.

The Bianconeri qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2005-06, and the 57-year-old has urged the team to keep up their current form and claim silverware.

"We feel pride and satisfaction at reclaiming our place among the most important European clubs, but also absolute determination to reclaim our Scudetto title," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Last season we just had the championship, whereas this year we've also got the Champions League. The most difficult aspect is managing the group on a physical and psychological level. There are still 27 points to play for in the league and we’ll need to sustain our good form.

"Perhaps there’s a little more luck involved in the Champions League, because incidents can play an important role over 180 minutes. The Bayern clash, however, will be very useful to work out our strength and at what point we are."

[Socrates 8328]

'Transfers depend on results'

Mar 25, 2013

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the club will only discuss summer transfer targets once the season is over.

The Bianconeri have been linked with a number of players for next term, including Stevan Jovetic and Alexis Sanchez.

But the board member has insisted that the team is concentrating entirely on the current campaign.

“We are focusing on the end of this season,” he told Rai Sport. “The team we have now is giving us a lot of satisfaction.

“We are fighting to win the championship and soon we'll be playing in the [quarter-finals] of the Champions League.

“We'll talk about the transfer market later. What we do also depends on the final results that this team achieves.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juve require time and money

Apr 12, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has underlined that it will take time and money to triumph in the Champions League.

The Old Lady were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage in midweek after a heavy 4-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich.

“The theory that Juventus fans will, for at least three or four years, have to just be content with winning in Italy is right,” the club official told Tuttosport.

“Let us not forget that we are at the beginning of a new cycle,” he added. “If you look at our squad from three years ago, there are just four of the old guard remaining – Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo De Ceglie and Claudio Marchisio.

“Time is required for Juventus to return to its former glory.”

Marotta also underlined how important the economic aspect is when it comes to winning on the field of play.

“A lot has changed in terms of finances over the last 10 years,” he continued. “Italian clubs were once leaders in revenue, but now our game is much weaker.

“We’ve just finished our Champions League adventure and we’ve understood that we will need time and money to cut the gap between ourselves and the big European teams.

“But time is synonymous with work and self-sacrifice, exactly what boss Antonio Conte is doing.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: No Italian Champions League

winner for 'years to come'

The Bianconeri director believes his side's defeat by Bayern Munich

has underlined just how far they have fallen behind Europe's elite.

Apr 12, 2013

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that he cannot foresee a Serie A side winning the Champions League for "many years to come".

The Bianconeri reached the quarter-finals of this years competition but were thoroughly outclassed during both legs of a 4-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich.

Marotta believes that the games clearly illustrated just how far Italy's finest have fallen behind Europe's top clubs in recent years.

"It's time in which you have to work with what you have," the 56-year-old told Tuttosport.

"At this moment, I do not see any prospect of victory for an Italian team in the Champions League for many years to come.

"We can not do any more work than we are currently doing: I think the car is moving at full throttle!

"The problem is that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, [Manchester] United and [Manchester] City are economic superpowers, with revenues and budgets of €450 million.

"From this point of view I think that society is moving in an important way: the fact that we built the stadium shows that we are moving 360 degrees.

"But, I repeat, it takes patience."

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Juve not a selling club'

Apr 17, 2013

Beppe Marotta assured fans that Antonio Conte, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal will be staying, but Juventus “won’t go crazy” on the transfer market.

The director sat down with Juventus Channel to discuss numerous topics, including last night’s Coppa Italia Primavera victory over Napoli.

“It is the crowning moment of a project we started three years ago. We are proud and happy for both them and for Juve,” he said of the youth team.

“We have 78 young players in Italy and abroad, either owned or co-owned by us. In Serie B alone there are 18 of our players, while in Serie A we have elements like Manolo Gabbiadini and Ciro Immobile. At the end of the season, we’ll sit down with the coaching staff and evaluate who will return.

“In these three years there have been more than 30 players coming in and out of the club. Clearly there have been some errors, but we have opted to trust in a leader of the technical staff, a Coach with a strong personality and a strong sense of belonging to the club.

“Conte is in perfect symbiosis with the club and there are the foundations for him to stay here for many years, because the objectives we can reach are very prestigious indeed.”

Marotta also commented on the players attracting interest around Europe, such as Vidal, Pogba and how Juve snapped up World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo on a free transfer.

“Pogba is tied to us by a contract that represents an investment for the future and we are happy he has sped up that process. He is staying with us.

“Vidal was a smart choice by the club, while the Coach made the most of him. Our desire is to keep hold of him. Juve are not a selling club and we have important objectives to achieve.

“As for Pirlo, you’ve got to know how to take opportunities. When Pirlo and Milan decided to split up by mutual consent, we approached the player, discussed it with Conte and wrote up a contract. Pirlo is the symbol of my time here, as he is a player with a great trophy cabinet who is no longer as young as he once was.

“Signing him left us open to criticism, but at the end of the day we won a great gamble. I couldn’t sleep at night the first few days after the signing...”

Much as the free transfers and bargains have impressed fans, the Champions League exit to Bayern Munich fuelled the demands for a ‘top player’ in attack.

“The difficult thing is to combine excellent sporting results with excellent balance sheets. The Financial Fair Play rules wanted by UEFA are trying to put the brakes on the crazy amount spent by many clubs in recent years, some of them even disappearing from the football landscape due to that approach.

“It is our duty to respect the economic limits, without abandoning the idea of winning that is intrinsic in this club.

“Champions League results are not only down to investments, but also planning. We want to create a winning model that can achieve any result.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus admire Robben & Alexis, says Marotta

The Turin powerhouse's general director is full of praise for both attackers

but fears a summer transfer for either player could prove problematic.

Apr 29, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that he is a keen admirer of Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben and Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, but remained coy on whether the Serie A champions will try and lure the duo to Turin.

A number of recent reports suggested that the Bianconeri are interested in signing either player as they are looking to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, but the 56-year-old believes both players are likely to stay at their current clubs.

"Robben and Alexis are two excellent players and I admire both of them. There is not much more I can say about it at this point, though," Marotta told the Corriere dello Sport.

"Sanchez is with Barcelona and they paid a significant transfer fee for him. I think that he will stay at Barcelona this summer.

"Robben is a player who plays with a lot of authority and has a lot of ability. But he plays for one of the best clubs in Europe at the moment ..."

Alexis, 24, has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2016, while the 29-year-old Robben's deal with Bayern expires in 2015.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Juve winning project'

May 5, 2013

Director general Beppe Marotta assures Juventus will share Antonio Conte’s vision to make them competitive in Europe too.

The team is driving around Turin in an open-top bus to celebrate their second consecutive Scudetto.

“It is extraordinary being part of Juventus history,” said the transfer guru. “We knew it would be difficult to repeat ourselves, but we experience this with emotion and joy because the work done has been extraordinary.”

Coach Conte warned in his Press conference yesterday that he’d need to sit down and discuss their plans before confirming his future.

“There is a great rapport with Conte and the whole club. I would define Juventus as a winning project. Clearly there is always the desire to win again and we won’t forget that.

“Conte wants to win and it’s only right that all together we work to achieve that. We have created a project and want to continue this positive trend, as we had originally thought it would take us two or three years to lift silverware.

“In Europe there is still a gap to be covered, as Bayern Munich right now are an unreachable war machine. We will absolutely try to breach that gap with Conte.

“There is also an economic crisis in Italy and guidelines the club has to respect, but that doesn’t mean we’re being remissive. We want to have winning ideas.

“People keep talking about us signing a ‘top player,’ but I’d like to point out Juventus have still scored more goals than anyone else in Serie A this season.

“We will sit down with President Andrea Agnelli and Conte to analyse the situation we have today in order to create a tomorrow as protagonists. Juventus must continue to win, that is our imperative.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta rules out Ibrahimovic Juventus return

The Bianconeri have been linked with a summer swoop for their former forward,
but any possible deal now appears to be dead in the water.

May 15, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has ruled out the possibility of the club re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer, as well as rubbishing reports that Antonio Conte could quit as coach.

The Bianconeri have been heavily linked with the Paris Saint-Germain forward in recent months, with the Sweden international reportedly keen on a return to Italy, where he has also lined up for Inter and AC Milan.

However, Marotta explained that Juve president Andrea Agnelli will not fund a move for the 31-year-old attacker, telling Il Secolo XIX, "He was very clear: Ibra will not return."

Marotta also insisted that there is no tension between him and Bianconeri boss Conte, who has won back-to-back Serie A titles since arriving from Siena.

"We are in perfect harmony," he declared. "There really is no problem. "Some people would have you believe that there are opposing views among us, but that is not the case.

"Conte will coach Juventus again next year - and even the president has said that."

Indeed, Marotta has claimed that Conte will be given up to four new players to work with this summer, but dismissed speculation that Juve have already agreed terms with Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic.

"He is a great player, but there are no talks with him," he explained. "Even if a player is being touted by the agent, that does not mean that there are any negotiations.

"We are working to have a more competitive team, like the one that has allowed us, thanks to Conte's extraordinary work, to get back to winning again.

"This season was a triumphant march [towards the title], but I would like to add four champions to the current squad."

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta on the new Juventus

May 15, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has today talked transfers in an interview with Il Secolo XIX.

Having wrapped up their second consecutive Scudetto, the focus has now turned to whom the Old Lady will sign in the summer to aid their European Cup bid.

“The Champions League is what we all want, the President, the Coach, the club,” the former Sampdoria official noted.

“It’s now up to me to retouch the squad by listening to the indications of the Coach. We are working on having an even more competitive side.

“I’d like to sign some more champions to add to the likes of Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.”

There have been suggestions that Juve could look to cash in on some of their stars to boost their transfer budget.

“Juventus have historically been a buying club, not a selling one. Clearly we have to keep one eye on the budget, but the most representative players will be confirmed. Vidal and Marchisio are obviously among them.”

The Old Lady have been paired with swoops for Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid and Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic.

“President Andrea Agnelli was clear on Ibra, he will not return. As for Higuain, I’m not saying anything new when I say he is a great player.

“Jovetic too is a great, but there are no negotiations. If a player is offered to us by an agent, it doesn’t mean that there are talks going on.”

Marotta was also asked about Ciro Immobile, who they co-own with Genoa, as well as the Sampdoria trio of Andrea Poli, Pedro Obiang and Simone Zaza, the latter who has been on loan at Ascoli this term.

“We would have liked Immobile to have been used a bit more regularly by the Rossoblu. We’ll meet them in the next few weeks and decide what to do next.

“For Poli, we almost did a deal in January and the talks may be re-opened. Myself and Fabio Paratici signed Zaza for Samp…

“Obiang and Zaza are interesting players, but I have maximum respect for Samp. We’ll see.”

Marotta was also adamant that boss Antonio Conte would be remaining in Turin.

“There is perfect harmony between myself and Antonio,” he stated. “There really is no problem and I’ve already met with him.

“Some would have you understand that there are opposing views, but that is not true. Conte will train Juventus next season.

“There are all the conditions for him to stay, the President has said that too. It’s useless to try and manipulate individual comments.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta wants 'gradual' improvement

May 16, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has insisted that the club will not try to revolutionize itself over the summer.

The board member revealed yesterday that the Bianconeri were looking at a number of options in the transfer market, with Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic both being mentioned in an interview with Secolo XIX.

But the administrator has today admitted that changes to the team will be gradual.

“I am satisfied with the clarification I made yesterday,” he told reporters. “We have established where we want to go next season.

“'Substantial change' is a big phrase – I don't think that will happen.

“We want to improve gradually.

“We'll see what happens. Not all goals are achievable.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta confirms Tevez talks

May 18, 2013

Beppe Marotta has confirmed Carlos Tevez’s agent approached Juventus. “We could reach an agreement with them.”

The general manager spoke to Sky Sport Italia before tonight’s final game of the season with Sampdoria.

“Tevez? In terms of quality and experience, we are not the first to notice him,” said Marotta.

“He wants to make up for lost time, as his years at Manchester City were not the best. We have not made any approach towards the English club.

“It is clear that at this stage of the season agents step forward and I will not rule out a meeting in that sense. We could reach an agreement with them, but then we’d have to strike a deal with his club too.”

Tevez has suddenly become the hot favourite ahead of Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain.

“Higuain is younger and is therefore worth more on the transfer market. Tevez is certainly an easier negotiation process, as his contract expires next summer.

“We are trying to strengthen the attack for next season, so that is our primary objective. We’re after players who suit Antonio Conte’s football.”

Juve already have Fernando Llorente secured, as he is out of contract with Athletic Bilbao next month.

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus confirm Higuain and Jovetic interest

Director Giuseppe Marotta earmarked the two strikers as potential transfer
targets but stressed that the club are exploring "various options" in the market.

May 23, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in luring both Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic to Turin this summer.

Reports emanating from Italy suggests the Bianconeri will dispatch representatives to the Spanish capital on Wednesday in an attempt to thrash out a deal for Real Madrid striker Higuain after agreeing terms in principal with the Argentine earlier this month, while Fiorentina's failure to secure Champions League qualification this season has thrown Jovetic's future at the club into further doubt.

Speaking to Rai Sports, Marotta insisted the Old Lady were weighing up their options before making a move but could not disguise his affection for the duo.

"Jovetic and Higuain are both great strikers," he said. "We want to improve the playing staff available to [Antonio] Conte in the summer so we are exploring various options at the moment."

Juventus, who recorded back-to-back Serie A titles this season, have long been linked with moves for Europe's top striking talent - including the likes of Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez - as they look to bolster their forward line ahead of the coming campaign.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'No Higuain without Coach'

Jun 9, 2012

Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms talks with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain are blocked “until they have a new Coach.”

Marotta and President Andrea Agnelli had a lunch meeting with Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez and FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti this afternoon in the Spanish capital.

“Right now Higuain is not on the transfer market, as Real Madrid are waiting until they have a new Coach,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“The moment this decision is made official, then we will meet them again with pleasure.”

Meanwhile, there are reports that Real Madrid are willing to spread the payment over several instalments, but that the €22m offer was too low.

Arsenal are said to have proposed €24m for the Argentina striker.

Real are without a tactician since parting company with Jose Mourinho, as first choice Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to break free of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'No Higuain exchanges'

Jun 9, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has warned Real Madrid any deal for Gonzalo Higuain will not include “our best players.”

The transfer guru spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a lunch meeting with President Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid-Juventus Legends game at the Bernabeu.

“We met with President Perez and it’s obvious that we also talked about football at this lunch,” confessed Marotta.

“It is all still to be defined, because Real have not yet clarified their coaching situation. Therefore any debate on players is postponed.

“The two clubs have an excellent rapport and they showed appreciation for some of our players. It is possible to see market strategies.”

However, Marotta insisted the Bianconeri would not be parting with the likes of Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal.

“We will not sell our best players, regardless of the fact they have impressed other clubs.

“As for Higuain, if we renew our consideration towards the player then it can be considered a step forward, but any other discussion has to wait until their situation is better defined.

“There will be the all-clear to negotiate only if Real consider it opportune to do so.”

It is reported that Real Madrid agreed to Juve’s request to pay the transfer fee in instalments, but not on the €22m offer.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta hints Higuain deal still in Juventus pipeline

The 58-year-old says the Bianconeri have not yet conceded defeat in the race
to sign the Argentina international, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

Jun 20, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has hinted that the club have not given up on signing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain this summer.

The Argentina international has expressed he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the Bianconeri were believed to be leading the hunt for the wantaway forward for much of the close-season.

The 25-year-old, who has a contract with the Blancos until 2016, is suspected to have already agreed personal terms with Arsenal - although a deal is yet to be struck between the clubs - but Marotta thinks that there is still time for the transfer saga to take yet another twist.

Speaking to Sky Sport, he said: "Higuain? I do not want to say anything because there is still so much time left for things to happen."

The 58-year-old was equally as cavalier when asked about the potential arrival of Carlos Tevez and Stevan Jovetic to Turin this summer from Manchester City and Fiorentina respectively.

"There is no hurry," he added. "Tevez and Jovetic are both great players but they are also with great clubs, so it would not be right to discuss them.

"I do not want to create an illusion that things are already in motion."

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta on Higuain and Marchisio

Jun 20, 2012

Beppe Marotta said Juventus “are looking for an eclectic player,” while commenting on Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Stevan Jovetic and Claudio Marchisio.

The director general spoke to Sky Sport Italia this evening, amid reports Real Madrid striker Higuain has agreed terms with Arsenal.

“Many players prefer Juventus to other clubs and we are still in an early phase of the transfer market,” said Marotta.

“Who do I prefer between Higuain, Jovetic and Tevez? We analysed all three of them and they are great players, but I don’t want to lean too much one way, nor kid anyone.

“We have already signed a very important player like Fernando Llorente who has won the European Championship and the World Cup.

“We wish to improve the squad to bridge the gap with the other European giants. We are looking for an eclectic player who can fit our winning model. We always try to improve, taking the chances that the market offers us.”

The Bianconeri are also linked with outgoing transfer stories, as they renewed a co-ownership deal with Udinese for Mauricio Isla.

“It’s true Inter have shown an interest in Isla, but they are not the only ones, so we will see what is to be done there.”

Monaco and Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer €30m for midfielder Marchisio, who warned during international duty that he needs to speak to the club and discover if he is still ‘important.’

“There is absolutely no Marchisio problem. We’ll talk it over when he returns.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Tevez signing shows Juventus are back

The Bianconeri director believes the Argentina striker's arrival is an indication
that they have become a desirable destination again for top players.

Jun 28, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta feels that the signing of Carlos Tevez is further proof that the Serie A champions are one of Europe's elite clubs again.

The Argentina international signed a three-year deal with Juve this week to complete his move from Manchester City and Marotta believes that the club's status played a big role in his decision to join the Turin giants.

"This deal is also a response to certain scepticism levelled towards myself and the club by certain people. The value and prestige of Juventus certainly helped convince Tevez to come here," Marotta said at a press conference.

"I still recall that just two years ago, many players turned us down. Instead, today, there are plenty of players, also important ones, who want to join us.

"Our success over the past two years and Andrea Agnelli’s arrival have brought new appeal to the club. We can say with pride that Juventus are now back where they belong."

Juventus beat Napoli to the Serie A title in 2012-13 after lifting the Scudetto ahead of AC Milan the season before.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'No Jovetic for Juve'

Jul 2, 2012

Juventus have temporarily given up on Stevan Jovetic due to “difficult relations” with Fiorentina, but confirm advanced talks for Angelo Ogbonna.

Director general Beppe Marotta spoke at today’s Press conference to present new signing Fernando Llorente and was asked about other transfer targets.

“With the arrival of Llorente and Carlos Tevez we have brought in two fantastic players and feel that we do not need more reinforcements in attack,” said Marotta.

“Fernando is a player of total football, so he can only do better in Antonio Conte’s tactics. With his arrival the total quality of the side has gone up.

“Jovetic? He was an option we went after during the summer, but due to difficult relations with Fiorentina I think at this point we are fine as we are. We’re satisfied with our signings.

“Could we open up talks again? Anything could happen from now until August 31, as in the transfer market things change from one day to the next. Who knows, maybe by the end of August Fiorentina will be offering him to us for a free loan...”

Fiorentina have refused to lower their €30m price-tag for Montenegro international forward Jovetic, who has admirers at Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

The situation with regards to Torino defender Ogbonna is very different, as the two city rivals are ready for the exchange.

“There is no point denying that Ogbonna is a Juventus target. We’re trying to bring him in and will see how it goes.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Jovetic deal dead

The general director has told Bianconeri fans that the Montenegrin forward will not arrive
at Juventus Stadium this summer, though Angelo Ogbonna remains a big target.

Jul 2, 2013

Giuseppe Marotta has given up hope of Stevan Jovetic joining Juventus this summer due to the poor relationship between the club and the Montenegrin's owners, Fiorentina.

The 23-year-old has been a target for the Old Lady for over a year now, but the Juve general director has admitted defeat in their attempts to lure the forward to the Bianconeri.

Speaking at the unveiling of Fernando Llorente at Vinovo, Marotta explained that the long-running rift between Juve and the Viola will prevent a deal taking place.

"Jovetic will not come here due to the relationship which everybody is aware of existing between ourselves and Fiorentina," explained Marotta. "That which does not happen today can happen tomorrow, but only if Fiorentina give him to us on a free loan."

But while 'JoJo' will not be donning the black-and-white stripes any time soon, Marotta was happy to introduce Llorente after the striker's Bosman free transfer from Athletic Bilbao and was quick to set the Spaniard a minimum goals target.

"We believe in him. Fernando is a reigning world champion. He's always scored an average of 15 goals per season, he added.

"I want to remind you all that this guy had a rescission clause in his contract at Athletic worth €37 million. That shows that he is another important player like Carlos Tevez. We made the deal official in February when we had agreed the terms and, knowing the human qualities of Llorente we decided to agree upon a four-year contract terms."

With Llorente joining Tevez in striking arrivals, the Old Lady are still looking to add to their defensive ranks with Angelo Ogbonna from neighbours Torino and Marotta remains confident that a transfer will be pushed through.

"Ogbonna is a target. We will look at it with Torino president Urbano Cairo in the coming days and we will try to come to a deal because we want this transfer. He is a player who we could use at left-back, but we must not forget that we have a very competitive squad which has won two successive Scudetti."

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus leaving the rest of Serie A behind with summer additions

Jul 5, 2013

First it was Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal, now it’s Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tevez and maybe even Angelo Ogbonna and Stevan Jovetic.

First Juventus moved past their Serie A rivals, now they’re embarrassing them.

Juventus director Beppe Marotta has come under criticism in recent years for not landing “big players” – two summers marked by missing out on star strikers (Sergio Aguero, Giuseppe Rossi, Eden Dzeko) have attracted doubters but they’ve masked what has also been back-to-back summers of excellent work.

As previously mentioned, Marotta has brokered deals for world class players for minimal cost, adding piece by piece to the Bianconeri machine and turning the Serie A title race into a one horse competition.

After closing what Gianluigi Buffon called the “deal of the century” when Andrea Pirlo cut ties with AC Milan to join the Turinese revolution, Juventus then added Arturo Vidal for €10 million – who is now the best midfielder in Italy, and one of the most complete in all of Europe.

Paul Pogba was another free transfer who looks to be France’s best prospect since Karim Benzema. When contrasted with the rest of the footballing world’s cash-happy approach to acquiring players, Juventus’ control, discipline, and financial restraint is a breath of fresh air.

This summer’s transfer window has barely started and Marotta’s work has continued, and with excellent results. Fernando Llorente was an addition that was already completed in January, but Juventus allowed Llorente’s contract to run out so he joins them for free.

Mean,while Carlos Tevez, who nearly signed for Milan for €25m in January 2012, leaves for €10m and will fill a vacant gap for a side that has few holes left to fill.

In addition, Juventus are leading a charge for Stevan Jovetic in a transfer race that seems to contain only them. Juventus are also showing a clever side by using their own players as makeweights, so to avoid spending over the odds for the Montenegrin.

Another player who could arrive who doesn’t necessarily plug a huge gap in the squad is Angelo Ogbonna. The Torino captain offers versatility and potential, and could well be the successor to Andrea Barzagli.

The fact that Juventus’ closest rivals AC Milan and Napoli both have needs at centre-back and could guarantee starts for the defender, Juventus’s acquisition of him is an even greater indication of the Bianconeri’s success in the off-season.

It’s a frightening collection of circumstances for the rest of Italy, as Juventus’ acquisitions move them closer to the upper echelons of European football and further away from their Italian counterparts. While Napoli and Milan spend their time trying to hold onto their stars, Juventus are acquiring more.

It’s a glimpse into what could become a mini-dynasty for Juventus, who are favourites for a third successive title and will look to push forward in the Champions League, too.

It’s a credit to Andrea Agnelli and his board of directors, who have rebuilt the side in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal and overtaken rivals that had a five year head-start over. Consider the added financially benefits of a brand new stadium and it could go on for a while yet.

[Socrates 8328]

Stevan Jovetic still wants Juventus
as Beppe Marotta plays his hand perfectly

Jul 8, 2013

When Juventus signed Carlos Tevez nearly two weeks ago, it gave Beppe Marotta options. Not just because he landed the high-quality striker he had been chasing for years, but due to the fact that anything added to the striker department now could very well be seen as a luxury rather than a player filling a serious need.

That chase for Stevan Jovetic? Not necessarily mandatory anymore.

Trying to bid against another team for a striker your team desperately needs? Not necessarily mandatory anymore like he was a month or so ago, certainly not with Tevez now occupying such a large roll within the squad.

That means Jovetic, who has been a target of Marotta and his band of front office partners for the past two summers at the very least, isn't necessarily a player that Juventus needs anymore in terms of filling the "top player" void that had been so evident. But that doesn't mean he's a player that Juventus doesn't want to have wearing their jersey next season.

Fiorentina have played hardball, sticking to their guns in regards to how much the talented 23-year-old Montenegrin costs. The €30 million tag hanging from Jovetic's side has been the biggest hurdle, of course, but there's also the fact that the Viola have a team they don't want to sell their prized asset to sniffing around in hopes of striking a deal. Maybe if a fat-pocketed EPL team came along and chucked a couple of sacks of cash Fiorentina's way it'd be different, but Juventus want Jovetic — they're just not going to be in the same situation they were when the transfer season started.

I take you back to the Fernando Llorente press conference when Marotta had this to say:

"Jovetic? He was an option we went after during the summer, but due to difficult relations with Fiorentina I think at this point we are fine as we are. We're satisfied with our signings.

"Could we open up talks again? Anything could happen from now until August 31, as in the transfer market things change from one day to the next. Who knows, maybe by the end of August Fiorentina will be offering him to us for a free loan..." (via Football Italia)

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a man who has negotiated a deal or two before. The loan offer on transfer deadline day was a good touch, too. But, in the grand scheme of things, while Marotta was putting a couple of jabs in Fiorentina's direction, he was also outlining what the arrival of Tevez and Llorente has allowed him to do — be flexible.

Having Tevez in the ranks doesn't make Jovetic — who reportedly turned down Napoli late last week as he waits for Juventus to come and make Fiorentina another round of offers, be it straight cash or player exchanges-plus-money — the glaring need he definitely was a few weeks ago when the No. 10 jersey was still open for takers. That means giving in to Fiorentina's asking price isn't looming large of the Juventus camp now as it was pre-Tevez.

There's still the fact that Jovetic apparently has his eye on a move to Juventus, something that would obviously push the new-look Juventus strike force over the top. It's hard not to imagine the possibilities, isn't it? Visualizing a 4-3-3 with Tevez-Llorente-Jovetic up top is as naughty as it could be right now, It would push Juve from a sleeper team in the Champions League to a serious contender, one would think with all the other pieces on the roster already in place.

Even with that, though, Juventus are, as Marotta said, quite the finished product right now when it comes to strikers. Whether that was just another one of his tactics to try and make Fiorentina budge or not, that remains to be seen. But he's got leverage now, something he didn't have and Fiorentina could use against him before Tevez was signed.

Marotta is just doing what any good director general does — letting the market play out and not drastically overpaying for a player he wants on his team. And when it comes to a player of Jovetic's quality, that isn't something he's been able to do much in the past.