Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Reform won’t be easy

Aug 11, 2014

Juventus general director Beppe Marotta has hit out at Claudio Lotito and warned that reform in Italian football ‘will not be easy’.

The Italian Football Federation today meets in Rome to vote in a new President to replace Giancarlo Abete, following his resignation in the wake of Italy’s World Cup debacle in Brazil.

Despite racist comments made in recent weeks, Carlo Tavecchio is the outright favourite to secure a high enough percentage of votes to take up the role.

However, for the director general from Juve, a club who have not supported Tavecchio from the start, there is a clear divide at the Federation.

“The FIGC council is fragmented and it will not be easy to implement reforms immediately,” Marotta has told reporters today waiting for polling to begin.

“I do not believe in a reconsolidation, beyond which there are seven, eight or 10 clubs whose positions are clear and in the Lega Calcio there are two mindsets, the rift is evident.

Lazio President Claudio Lotito has been vocal in his support of Tavecchio.

“[Claudio] Lotito’s super-activism is perplexing, that he acts as a mentor for the candidate Tavecchio - this is something unpopular and unique in the history of the Federation.

“It seems that personal interest are being put at the expense of the collective.”

These comments echo those yesterday from Torino President Urbano Cairo.

“The position of Juventus was clear from the outset - President Agnelli has also contributed to the drafting of the program to be entrusted to the candidate for presidency,” continued Marotta.

“We have not been reflected in this nomination, but the reforms and the program are things that we all know we need to implement. I think that the problem is not with the vote today, but tomorrow…”

[Socrates 8328]

‘Conte can do well with Italy’

Aug 11, 2014

Beppe Marotta has backed Antonio Conte as: “a great professional who can do well with the national team.”

As the Italian Football Federation’s council meets today to vote in their next President, speculation is on who he will then bring in as Italy’s new Coach to replace Cesare Prandelli.

With Carlo Tavecchio seen as the outright favourite to become President, attention is on his believed intentions when in power.

The 71-year-old is speculated as preparing a €1.7m-a-year contract offer for former Juventus Coach Conte, as his first choice to bring in.

However, should the 45-year-old turn down the role, Tavecchio reportedly has a plan B in place, with a more senior Coach such Francesco Guidolin to be brought in to mentor a younger, future successor such as Fabio Cannavaro or Antonio Cabrini.

Whilst Juve general director Marotta has made clear his unhappiness at Tavecchio’s potential presidency, he has backed the choice of Conte.

“Conte is a great Coach,” Marotta has told reporters today on the subject.

“He is a great professional who can do well both with a club and with the national team.

“However, these are choices that we are not responsible for.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta rules out Juventus bid for Falcao

It had been claimed that the Bianconeri were hoping to take the Monaco forward on loan
but the Italian champions will not make any more high-profile signings this summer.

Aug 20, 2014

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has seemingly ruled out a bid for Radamel Falcao.

The Bianconeri have been heavily linked with a loan move for the Monaco forward, who is reportedly unsettled at the Stade Louis II, with Leonardo Jardim's men having lost their first two games of the new Ligue 1 season.

However, Marotta has explained that while Juventus could sign another attacker before the close of the summer transfer window, they will not bring in a big-name player.

"We're lacking a forward, a second striker in a compartment that already gives us many certainties, but it will not be a player with a major profile," the Juve director told Sky Sport Italia.

"We will not make big investments. But one player could arrive in the final hours of the window."

It has also been reported that Juventus are considering a move for Benfica captain Luisao but Marotta insists that they are not interested in the centre-back either, as he feels that the Italian champions are well stocked in defence.

"We have never contacted the player," he declared. "But this is the world of football.

"Barzagli is recovering quicker than expected from injury and Luca Marrone has shown himself to be comfortable in defence, so we could stay like this."

Juventus kick off the defence of their Serie A title with a trip to Verona to take on Chievo on August 30.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Vidal never for sale

Aug 20, 2014

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta insists Arturo Vidal has never been for sale at any point this summer.

The Chilean midfielder has been linked with a big money move to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United in recent months.

However, speaking to Sky Sport, the official said the player has returned to Old Lady training following injury and will be available for the Serie A champions again soon.

“Vidal is fine, he has started training again and his knee is working as normal again,” Marotta said.

“He is still available for the team, there is always the same speculation about him. He was never put up for sale and there have never been any negotiations for him.

“They are the usual media rumours that are apart from reality.”

Marotta then discussed the prospect of Gigi Buffon and Paul Pogba signing new contracts.

“Buffon? We are very grateful to him. There is already a contract outlined in principle, we will meet when he wants to. He will stay as long as he wants to.

“Pogba? We have had some negotiation with his agents, we hope to arrive at a positive conclusion shortly.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Juve seek opportunities'

Aug 20, 2014

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta left the door open for more transfers. “If the opportunity arises...”

The Bianconeri have been linked with Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic and even Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on loan.

“If the opportunity arises, then we will take it, but at the moment we have achieved most of our transfer targets,” Marotta told reporters today.

“We’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. We took on this season by maintaining most of the core from the previous squads and in the last 10 days we’ll see if any opportunities present themselves.

“We still need a forward, a support striker in an area where we already have a lot of guarantees, but it won’t be a shock level profile.

“Andrea Barzagli is recovering faster than expected and Luca Marrone showed he can play in defence, so apart from any other interesting opportunities we could well remain as we are.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta confirms Juventus has started contract
talks with Gianluigi Buffon, Paul Pogba

Aug 21, 2014

For the first time in weeks Wednesday, Juventus were on home soil. Ah, Italy, how they have certainly missed you. And what have we also missed? The essential and what seems like a mandatory Beppe Marotta press briefing that comes along with this kind of Juventus function where all of the club's management are in one spot at the same time.

Family match day became media day for Marotta. So basically it was another edition of "Hey, let's ask Beppe about those dang Arturo Vidal rumors, okay?" Or something along those lines.

Yeah, Marotta discussed Vidal's status up to the very second of his meeting with the media. He was asked about those never-ending rumors and then mentioned how stupid they continue to be at Juventus' family match. He also addressed the contract statuses of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and 21-year-old midfield dynamo Paul Pogba, who have both been rumored to be in talks with the club for new deals over the course of the past few weeks.

"Buffon? We are extremely grateful towards him. There is a blank contract ready, we'll meet when he wants to. He'll stay here until he wants. Pogba? We started negotiating with his agent, we hope to reach a positive conclusion in a short period of time."(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Blank contracts, eh? Sounds like a nice deal, doesn't it? I wonder where I can sign up for one of those if it's possible.

The best thing of it all: Marotta wants to get Pogba signed to a shiny new deal in the near future, which will obviously see him make a lot more money than he is making right now. And why shouldn't he? Pogba is always going to be a sought after player no matter what his contract status currently is because of what he brings to the table. Still, getting the contract situation done and out of the way will be a pretty important step for both the club itself and Pogba, who has given plenty of indications in the past that he's quite happy in Turin.

We've definitely heard a lot about new contracts this summer. And for a lot of different players, too. There's Pogba and Buffon. There's Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Cáceres. There's Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Basically any important player who has a contract expiring in the next couple of years has been rumored at the very least to be on the brink of getting a new deal to remain in bianconero.

Hey, if it's contract signing season at Juventus, that's fine with me. Might as well start with your captain and one of your biggest assets, right? Makes perfect sense.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Juve happy with draw'

Aug 28, 2014

Beppe Marotta admits Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo represent “a Champions League group Juventus are happy with.”

The Bianconeri are in Group A with last season’s beaten Finalists, but Olympiacos and Malmo should represent much less frightening prospects.

“This is a Champions League group Juventus are happy with, but there are also hidden dangers like Malmo – who have already started their season and that’ll end in November,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“We must honour the jersey we wear, as qualification is within our grasp. The group paid for a lack of experience over the last two or three years, but is now solidified.

“We learned from what happened last season. We are Juventus, we have to learn from our recent errors.”

Juve crashed out in the first round following a shock 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray, despite a relatively simple draw.

Marotta was also asked whether Juventus were making a bid to sign Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco.

“There are many rumours that are pumped up, but there was no meeting. We are already competitive for our targets, considering we haven’t sold any of our key players.

“I am very realistic and don’t think there will be any shock moves. If they are dreams, then fine, but let’s be realistic and say that operation is not within our grasp.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus will not make same mistakes
again in Champions League, says Marotta

The Bianconeri director is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching
the knockout stages in European club football's elite competition.

Aug 29, 2014

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is confident the Serie A champions have learned from their mistakes in the Champions League and can reach the knockout stages this term.

The Turin side failed to survive the group stages in 2013-14 as Real Madrid and Galatasaray proved to be too strong. This time, they have been paired with Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Malmo during Thursday's draw.

And Marotta has little doubt the Bianconeri will do better this time around, but admits there is a large void between them and the elite clubs in Europe.

"We now have a proven group of players that, in recent years, was undone by a lack of experience. I think what happened last year will help us to not repeat the same mistakes again," Marotta told the official Juventus website.

"Having said that, we must be aware of our club’s history and remember that qualification is certainly attainable. We're satisfied with the outcome of the draw.

"In the Champions League there is a considerable gap between ourselves and the big clubs.

"We hope to progress as far as possible in Europe and you can be sure that we’ll give our all in every single match, because we are well aware that this is a competition which can be decided by the smallest details."

Juventus kick off their European campaign with a home game against Malmo on Tuesday September 16.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta on Coman and Falcao

Aug 30, 2014

Juventus dg Beppe Marotta praised 18-year-old Kingsley Coman, but warned Radamel Falcao “will join a different top European club.”

The transfer guru spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of the Serie A opener against Chievo.

“Coman is a very mature lad who settled into the group very well,” said Marotta of the free agent.

“We are the reigning champions of Serie A, it will be difficult to confirm our status, especially with a change of management, but we’ll support the new Coach.

“It’s premature to say whether the gap between us and Roma has closed up. I’d put them on the front row alongside us.”

Juventus have been linked with a bid to take Falcao on loan from Monaco, but he seems closer to Manchester City.

“Will Falcao come to Juve? I don’t think so. He was linked with Juventus because he appreciates us and that makes us proud, but if he does leave Monaco it’ll be for tens of millions and he’ll join a different top European club.”

[Socrates 8328]

Pogba and Buffon to sign

Sep 8, 2014

Italian champions Juventus are reportedly working on extending the contracts of Paul Pogba and Gigi Buffon.

The French youngster, still just 21, is set to be rewarded for his performances and loyalty with a new deal until 2018, with an option for 2019.

As part of that agreement, the former Manchester United man will see his wages rise from €1.5m a campaign to €4.5m.

Talks with agent Mino Raiola have already begun and an official announcement is not expected to be too far away.

Captain Buffon, meanwhile, is in the last year of his deal seeing as that is due to run out in June 2015.

However, despite his 36 years, it is understood that he could put pen to paper on a fresh two-year extension.

Buffon could then be handed a role within the club should he decide to retire in 2017.

It is also being claimed that once the Pogba and Buffon situations have been resolved, Juve will talk to Claudio Marchisio about his future.

The Italian midfielder’s contract is set to expire in June 2016.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Lotito has too much power'

Sep 14, 2014

Juventus dg Beppe Marotta launched a surprising attack on Lazio President Claudio Lotito. “He has too much power.”

Lotito was the main push behind the election of controversial new FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio.

He has since raised eyebrows with his presence at the Italy camp during recent games, fuelling fears Lotito is acting as ‘puppet master’ to Tavecchio.

“I hope this Presidency can bring about reforms, although so far I’ve heard many words and seen little action,” Marotta told Rai Sport.

“I hear talk of people owning multiple clubs, but not of reserve teams to get players on the pitch regularly. These are issues pushed forward by directors who know little about football.

“Juventus are available and encourage reforms, but the important thing is to be listened to and so far nobody has asked us anything.”

When asked about Lotito, the Bianconeri director general was concerned.

“He has extremes of power and when one person has all that power we all risk falling into the abyss.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Allegri is a winner

Sep 22, 2014

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has praised the club’s new Coach Massimiliano Allegri for his impressive start to the season.

Allegri replaced the popular figure of Antonio Conte in the summer and has begun his tenure at the Bianconeri impressively, with four straight wins and four clean sheets, silencing opposition to his appointment in the process.

“After what Conte did here the scepticism over Allegri was understandable,” began Marotta today on Radio Anch’io lo Sport.

“When replacing a Coach who has won three successive Scudetti and set so many records the backlash can be negative.

“This is because the Coach is the leader of the group, but I believe also that behind the Coach and the team there has to be a strong club with the right to support the role of the Coach.

“We have to give great credit to Allegri - he did well at Milan and was not an unknown when he arrived.

“He won the Scudetto in his first year, he is a winner and when we gave him the squad we did it responsibly, knowing that he had the right attributes to coach Juventus.”

After such a successful start to the season, Marotta was also questioned on how he saw the season ahead panning out and what would be his preferred outcome.

“The indications from the start of the season are that it is between Juve and Roma - securing nine points in three matches says that we are top level sides and serious candidates for the Scudetto.

“If I had to choose between the fourth Scudetto in a row and the Champions League, I would say the latter.

“It is something so extraordinary that I would willingly chase it. But if I could, I would choose both.”

[Socrates 8328]

'Juve can move in January, but...'

Sep 22, 2014

Beppe Marotta says Juventus can move in the January market if required, but that there is faith in the squad currently under Max Allegri’s guidance.

On from praising the early impact the former Milan Coach has had in Turin since his summer arrival, the director general has commented on the suggestion further transfer work may be done in midseason.

“In January if we need to do so then we will make corrective measures,” Marotta has explained on Radio 1 today.

“We are happy with the group at the disposal of Allegri, we are competitive in Italy and even in Europe, where there are other clubs stronger than us.

“I have heard criticism of our defence, but if I am not mistaken, after three games we have not conceded a goal.

“In recent years, Juventus’ appeal has returned to what it was in the past. Years ago, [udinese forward Antonio] Di Natale would not come, but now champions are willingly doing so.

“We have created a structure, with [sporting director Fabio] Paratici that allows us to take advantage of opportunities in the market.”

Marotta was asked a couple of questions about strikers.

“Mario Balotelli? We never went in for him. Alvaro Morata? He got injured in a surprising manner in just his first training session and has only recently returned.

“We are counting on him, but the competition is great in attack. We have so many competitions to play and so he will have his space.”

Juve have an option to buy back Simone Zaza next summer, whilst they still hold co-ownership on Domencio Berardi and Manolo Gabbiadini.

“We already have five strikers in the squad, perhaps here they would not find the space that they have at Sassuolo and Sampdoria.

“Ciro Immobile, however, was co-owned by Torino and he expressed his desire to go to Borussia Dortmund, whilst there was also the economic need.”

Andrea Pirlo may face a battle to win back his place in the starting XI, with Claudio Marchisio’s form in his position.

“The competition for places stimulates greater commitment - Pirlo is a champion and his place is not only on the field but also in the dressing room.

“From the footballing point of view, so far, his absence has not been felt, but in the end we definitely need him, as we do the other midfielders.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Serie A title between Juventus and Roma

The Bianconeri director general says it is impossible to look beyond last season's top two
for the 2014-15 Scudetto, though he admits that his dream is the Champions League.

Sep 22, 2014

Giuseppe Marotta believes that this season's Serie A title race will once again be between only Juventus and Roma.

The two sides finished first and second last term, with the Bianconeri claiming a third successive Scudetto courtesy of a record points haul of 102.

AC Milan and Inter have made encouraging starts to the 2014-15 campaign but Marotta says it is impossible to look past Juve and Roma, both of whom boast 100 per cent records after three rounds of action.

"The indications from the start of the season are that it is between Juve and Roma," the Juve director general told Radio Anch'io lo Sport.

"Securing nine points in three matches says that we are top-evel sides and serious candidates for the Scudetto."

Marotta admitted, though, that European success is of slightly greater importance to Juventus this season.

“If I had to choose between the fourth Scudetto in a row and the Champions League, I would say the latter," he admitted.

“It is something so extraordinary that I would willingly chase it. But, if I could, I would choose both.”

Encouragingly, Juve kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmo last week, meaning the Bianconeri have won all four of their first competitive fixtures under new coach Massmiliano Allegri.

[Socrates 8328]

Outrage as Lotito mocks Marotta

Sep 27, 2014

Lazio President Claudio Lotito sparked controversy after mocking Juventus director Beppe Marotta’s eyes.

The patron is not new to outlandish comments, but his statements to the Corriere dello Sport brought widespread condemnation.

Lotito was asked if he had ‘made up’ with Marotta following a recent exchange of insults in the media.

“The problem with Marotta is you don’t know where he’s looking,” laughed the Lazio President.

“The problem with Marotta is he’s playing pool with one eye and counting points with the other.”

Juventus director general Marotta suffers from strabismus, a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned.

The media was outraged, with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport calling it “a low blow” and the Corriere dello Sport an “offensive” comment “in poor taste.”

Lotito was the main backer of FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, whose ill-judged attempt at humour also backfired when he suggested some unqualified African players were “eating bananas” before coming to Serie A.

[Socrates 8328]

Totti's comments were
unacceptable, says Marotta

The Bianconeri chief is furious that the forward has suggested
that the Old Lady always benefit from favourable refereeing decisions.

Oct 6, 2014

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has hit back at Francesco Totti following the attacker's comments in the wake of Roma's 3-2 loss against the reigning Serie A champions on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Giallorossi captain was furious after Sunday's defeat, claiming that the Bianconeri only emerged victorious because of referee Gianluca Rocchi, who awarded the hosts two penalties as well as failing to notice Arturo Vidal standing in an offside position in front of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski for Leonardo Bonucci's late winner.

Marotta feels Totti has crossed a line with his remarks, though, and believes Juventus deserved their win.

"I have great respect for Totti as a player. It’s understandable that he’s upset about the result but what he said was unacceptable," Marotta told reporters.

"In the past Juve have had to bear the brunt for others' mistakes, but when the team has won it has won legitimately and deservingly from a footballing point of view.

"Every year Juventus are accused of being favoured in dubious or unclear situations, but I believe that these decisions even themselves out over the course of a season.

"When we won the penalty it reminded me of the Juventus v Roma match that was played at the Olimpico in Turin. That year Roma got the decision and this year it was our turn to get a penalty."

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Juventus rejected bids for Pogba & Vidal

The Frenchman has long been tracked by Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester United
were reported to have made a concerted effort to sign the Chilean midfielder.

Oct 7, 2014

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the club turned down bids from "top European clubs" for both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal during the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly keen on signing France starlet Pogba and Manchester United were said to have made Chile ace Vidal one of their primary transfer targets.

Marotta has refused to disclose the identities of the interested parties but he did confirm that official approaches were made for the midfield duo.

"Yes, absolutely, some offers arrived, from abroad, from top European clubs," he told Processo del Lunedi. "But we decided not to indulge them.

"We were in a position not to accept and we did with great awareness of the fact that we are talking about two very important components of our squad."

Meanwhile, Marotta announced that Juve are optimistic about their chances of reaching agreement with wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner over a contract extension.

"We are negotiating and working with his representatives," the 57-year-old explained.

"We're very happy with how he's done, so if there are the right conditions [for a new deal], we want him to continue with us."

Lichtsteiner, who joined the Bianconeri from Lazio in 2011, will be out of contract on June 30 of next year.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: League not distorted

Oct 7, 2014

Beppe Marotta has called Francesco Totti’s words ‘damaging’ to Juventus and hit out at the suggestion the League is distorted in their favour.

Following Roma’s 3-2 defeat to the Bianconeri on Sunday, Totti commented that ‘by hook or by crook’ Juve win the League, in reference to some controversial refereeing decisions in the Week 6 fixture.

The Turin club’s director general has since appeared on programme Processo del Lunedi to discuss the fallout further, starting with a follow-on from his initial reaction to the Roma captain’s words.

“I said that on one hand I respect the player, I respect the man, the professional, for what he has given, for what he is giving to football in terms of huge emotions,” began Marotta in reflection.

“On the other I cannot agree with what he said, which is detrimental to the image of Juventus and severe.

“Roma only last year finished second and finished 17 points behind, in a League championship that we then deserved. Otherwise Roma would finish second after Inter in some seasons, but never after Juventus. In 2001 Juventus finished second behind Roma and at a difference of two points.

“So I cannot understand what he meant. Certainly in recent years Juventus have won legitimately, with great sporting merit the three Scudetti and we stress this because they are definitely important claims in respect of football, sports, institutions and especially also of our fans.”

Rudi Garcia was sent to the stands for playing an imaginary violin on the sideline, and it was put to Marotta that this was an indication of ‘always the same music’.

“But supportive of what? We want facts, not words. What are the acts in question? If you tell me what the incriminating matters are, I will respond.

“It is usual to talk about music, but not in reference to the music yesterday. When you say usual, it refers to a continuous period in the recent past or in the past.”

The Corriere dello Sport headline yesterday ‘Championship distorted’.

“This is definitely out of place, because if we talk about a distorted championship after six weekends at the start of a season, when there are still 32 games to play and 96 points available, I don’t think we can define that as distorted, partly because I think a championship is very different from a tournament where there can be favourable circumstances and a refereeing decision can definitely work in your favour.

“Eventually value will come out, at all times the best team wins the championship. Errors are compensated for, because we could make a list of situations in which there have been advantages and disadvantages.”

Rudi Garcia also tweeted yesterday that Sunday’s game was bad for Italian football.

“From this point of view, definitely yes. In fact, if we list everything in the context of what happened in the field… the scene of the red cards for Morata and Manolas is not great, it is definitely not uplifting, it is a scene that we do not want our children to see.

“What should have been a good spot in the evening has become a negative one, I agree on this. But from here to talk about a distorted League, of a Juventus who steals the result, I think it is too much.”

Marotta was asked about the controversial episodes in question.

“I understand there are episodes of doubt, but that have led to a wrong decision only the once, that is, in the first penalty.

“But with the use of slow motion replays what would have happened? The referee is five yards away from the wall and can see perfectly and has considered that he voluntarily handled the ball.

“In front of this there is no slow motion in place. Because if you want to limit the subjectivity of the referee’s decision, then we no longer talk about a game played in the field, but on the PlayStation. A situation the result of a computer.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Roma Have Bridged The Gap With Juventus

Oct 7, 2014

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes Roma have closed the gap to the Bianconeri as he states the two sides will fight it out for the Scudetto.

The Bianconeri defeated Roma 3-2 on Sunday to inflict a first defeat of the season on Rudi Garcia’s men and send Juventus three points clear at the top of the table.

“Roma and Juventus are the two best teams in the league,” Marotta told RAI Sport 1.

“Roma have strengthend a lot since last year and the Giallorossi have bridged the gap with Juventus.”

Marotta also went on to state that Juventus deserved their victory on Sunday as Gianluca Rocchi made the right calls.

“There was maybe a slight doubt with the handball but even in slow motion you would not change anything.

“Juventus had more hunger than Roma in the final minutes and found the winning goal.”

Roma captain Francesco Totti has accused Juventus of receiving favouritism but Marotta says his comments were ill-advised.

“I appreciate Totti and all he has done but what he has said is very serious and he does not understand what went on before.

“Juventus have deservedly won the last three league titles and he must respect us and our fans.

“His judgement is misplaced and is not based on facts.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: No release-clause for Pogba

The Juventus CEO insists the Old Lady plan to keep the Frenchman through the five years
of his new deal and revealed the club have begun talks on new deals for six others.

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta says there is no release clause written into Paul Pogba’s new contract and that the club intend to keep him for the full five years of his new deal.

The France international put pen to paper on a new contract this week, reportedly tripling his salary in Turin.

The 21-year-old former Manchester United midfielder was linked with a move away from the club this past summer but Marotta issued a hands-off warning to any potential suitors.

"There have been no release clauses inserted, because the intention is to keep him for a long time,” Marotta told the club’s shareholders’ assembly.

“We deem the wage increase appropriate to Pogba’s value. The deal includes a fixed base salary and a number of bonuses tied to personal and team goals.”

Marotta also revealed the club have begun discussions over potential new deals with those whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the current season.

"Contractual situations vary in age, and personal and technical values," he said.

"All six players, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluigi Buffon, Sebastian Giovinco, Marco Storari, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe, have great human values, but main factor is a sporting one. We have started negotiations with all of them."

[Socrates 8328]

‘Pogba’s salary rise appropriate’

Oct 25, 2014

Beppe Marotta has commented on ongoing contract negotiations with Juventus players and describes Paul Pogba’s salary increase as ‘appropriate’.

The director general today confirmed that the France international has extended his contract with Juve until June 2019, with it expected to increase his salary from €1.5m to as much as €4.5m.

“We deem the salary increase for Pogba appropriate to his value,” Marotta has told today’s shareholders’ meeting.

“I remind you that in the Bayern battleship which beat Roma, there are many players who earn more than €10m.”

During his segment, Marotta also gave an insight into Juve’s recent transfer activity, the possibility of their young loanees making the breakthrough and the decision to offer outcast Jorge Martinez a new deal.

“Contractual situations vary in age, and human and technical values. All six players - Chiellini, Buffon, Giovinco, Storari, Lichtsteiner and Pepe - have great human values, but the conditional factor is the sporting one. We have started negotiations with all of them.

“We have no less than 64 players out on loan. Barring some seniors like De Ceglie and Martinez, all the other loan reports are of great interest to us.

“This is the list of our 10 most interesting youngsters of 1993 or 1994 who are ours outright - Berardi, Boakye, Gabbiadini, Leali, Magnusson, Rosetti, Rugani, Sorensen, Spinazzola and Sturaro.

“The market in January? Today, it’s difficult to give any answers. We'll see how the Champions League goes and whether there will be any opportunities.

“Usually there are not many opportunities to add quality to the team. Martinez? We renewed his contract in order to reduce his salary by 50 per cent. We hope that this is the last year he is on our books.

“The negotiations of the market? I’m proud to say that we’ve achieved the [market] goals we put in place.

“Zaza and Berardi? Both players are under our watch, and our relationship with Sassuolo is great, if we wanted to bring them to our club.

“We loaned Sturaro to Genoa despite some disagreements with them, but we have to be forward-thinking from a sporting perspective, and we know that Sturaro’s natural habitat for growth is Genoa.

“Evra? We paid a very low price for him, considering that he is used to winning. When we sign players like Pereyra, for example, it takes time for them to understand what it means to fight.”

Marotta then reiterated his stance that Antonio Conte’s exit before the start of the season was not motivated by a lack of funds available to him.

“There was no difficult resolution with Conte, but it wasn’t because of money. It was consensual and friendly,” the ex-Sampdoria director added.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Inter row deplorable'

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus director Beppe Marotta said Inter’s response to an Andrea Agnelli joke about Calciopoli was “deplorable.”

Marotta was on RAI programme La Domenica Sportiva tonight and was asked about the ugly incident that occurred on Friday.

“That statement annoyed us a lot. Agnelli replied to a question from a reporter and expressed a positive opinion on Moratti and Thohir.

“He joked affectionately that Moratti did something crazy by accepting a Scudetto he didn’t win.

“From that to releasing such a hard and inappropriate statement is beyond the limits. What was written on the Inter site was deplorable.”

It has been reported that Massimo Moratti was also surprised by the ferocity of Inter’s statement, as he had exchanged similar jokes with Agnelli via text message.

“FC Internazionale is saddened to hear that Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has once again attempted to distort the facts and change history,” read the statement.

“Unfortunately for him, and for Italian football as a whole, 2006 was a disastrous year in which the Scudetto was legitimately awarded to Inter by the FIGC and Juventus were relegated to Serie B along with their reputation.

“Those are the facts. We will not allow anyone to change them or act as if they did not happen.”

[Socrates 8328]

Falcao wanted to join Juventus - Marotta

The Italian giants' managing director has indicated that the Colombian forward had
prioritised joining his team until events transpired to move him to Manchester United.

Oct 27, 2014

Radamel Falcao wanted to join Juventus this summer before being coerced into his €10 million loan move to Manchester United, according to the Turin club's managing director Giuseppe Marotta.

Falcao joined Monaco last summer but the Ligue 1 club decided to cash in on many of their biggest players - including his Colombian compatriot James Rodriguez to Real Madrid - during the last transfer window and Louis van Gaal's side won the race for his signature on deadline day.

The Scudetto holders were one of the many clubs reported to be interested and Marotta confirmed those suspicions, claiming the Colombian striker was keen to ditch Monaco for Turin before the Ligue 1 club struck a deal with the Red Devils.

"We followed Falcao, but there has been no contact since he moved to Manchester United," the Juve chief told Domenica Sportiva.

"We were very close to signing him and the striker wanted to give priority to move to Italy to wear Bianconeri colours.

"Then, however, a deal was done to send the forward to Manchester United, who now have a preferential right of purchase, though that deal is a little blurred."

Falcao has scored once in five appearances for the Red Devils so far this season, compared to the two goals he netted for Monaco in three games before leaving the Stade Louis II.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Allegri knows best

Nov 10, 2014

Beppe Marotta backs Max Allegri in making the best decisions for Juventus this term, and updates on Gigi Buffon and Stephan Lichtsteiner talks.

Juventus thrashed Parma 7-0 on Sunday and the Coach was given credit for switching to a new system, deploying four at the back and two attacking midfielders behind the lone striker.

It marked the second consecutive win since the switch away from the 3-5-2 system carried over from Antonio Conte’s reign, but whether the team stay with it or not, their director general has faith in his Coach.

“Allegri has chosen a system that allows him to hone his players’ skills,” Marotta said in Cernobbio at the unveiling of the first Cruyff Court in Italy.

“In this respect, the Coach has always shown himself to be really good and he hasn’t surprised me.

“The most important thing is the firm belief that we have an important squad and a Coach who is able to nurture the capabilities of every single player.”

After stunning Parma, many are starting to believe that Juve might go even one better than the 102 points collected in the final year of Antonio Conte’s stewardship.

“Against Parma, victory was a normal step in a long championship where there are still many points to collect.

“But I’d avoid to make comparisons with Antonio Conte. He has made history here, his era has left an important legacy.

“But with the help of the club, players and every other element, Allegri lhas aid the foundations to compete for bigger targets. Here, winning is compulsory, regardless of the names.”

Despite this, Marotta is well aware of the value of some of the Bianconeri’s biggest names, such as Gigi Buffon and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

“Buffon’s contract extension is just a formality. As for Lichtsteiner, we are talking to his representatives because we have some guidelines we intend to respect.”

[Socrates 8328]

Lotito fined for Marotta jibe

Dec 4, 2014

Lazio President Claudio Lotito has been fined €10,000 after mocking Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta.

The Aquile patron had been at odds with Marotta all summer after the Bianconeri director supported Demetrio Albertini’s candidacy for FIGC President while Lotito backed eventual winner Carlo Tavecchio.

The Biancocelesti President was later asked whether the two had made up, with Lotito responding that Marotta was ‘playing pool with one eye and counting points with the other.’

The Juventus director general declined to respond to the jibe, but the FIGC has taken a dim view of the incident.

Calcio’s governing body has issued Lotito with a €10,000 fine for “insulting comments toward Dr Giuseppe Marotta, general manager of Juventus FC, in breach of Article 1 of the Code of Sporting Justice.”

Lazio have been given an identical penalty for the offence, as they are deemed to be directly responsible for the words of their President.