Marotta defends beaten Juventus

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has defended boss Antonio Conte, Gigi Buffon and the rest of the side following the loss at Fiorentina.

The Old Lady looked like they were on the way to three more points before they threw away a 2-0 lead in the 4-2 Tuscan loss on Sunday.

“We are aware that everything is still up for grabs and we should not put the Coach – Antonio Conte is doing a great job and is a winner – or the team on trial,” he said at the Premio Fair Play Calcio e Tv.

“You can’t offer any excuses really because the game against Fiorentina was illogical. It is difficult to explain.

“It is a moment of blurring. I wouldn’t talk of a crisis, but psychological tiredness. There was no tactical reason for the loss, we have to improve mentally.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult year because of the games we have to play and the value of the opponents.”

Some have pointed the finger of blame towards Buffon for the second Giuseppe Rossi goal which he conceded at the Franchi.

“Buffon is a champion, the captain and a leader,” the former Sampdoria official added. “We are used to him doing some extraordinary things.

“When he limits himself to the ordinary, when he doesn’t stop everything, there is excessive criticism.

“Buffon was and remains the best. Right now we are conceding goals which expose him to criticism, but criticism should be made with respect.”

Juventus will next be in action on Wednesday at Real Madrid, a crucial match given that they have drawn their opening two Champions League games.

“We are confident of going to the Bernabeu to play our game. It’s an important tie, there are points up for grabs to be conquered with gritted teeth, but we can reach our objective.

“The match at the Bernabeu will be against one of the strongest teams, who we face with respect and with the knowledge that we can have a leading role in the encounter.”