02/03/2023

Ivan Juric launched a surprising attack on Hellas Verona for their ‘lack of courage’ in strengthening the squad. ‘We sold practically everyone and spent the absolute minimum.’

Ivan Juric launched a surprising attack on Hellas Verona for their ‘lack of courage’ in strengthening the squad. ‘We sold practically everyone and spent the absolute minimum.’
Their game with Genoa kicks off on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The coach surprisingly began his press conference by hitting out at the club, local media and fans for the raised expectations this season.
“What I sense on a local level is that people think we have reinforced and spent a lot of money. That is not true,” said Juric.
“A team is strengthened when it doesn’t sell anyone and brings in three or four new players. We are the only side in Italy who sold practically everyone, having spent the absolute minimum needed to stay in Serie A.
“That doesn’t mean I am not satisfied, because I do believe these players have room for improvement, but also need a lot of work to get there.
“If we think that Mert Cetin can become Marash Kumbulla overnight, then we are on the wrong track. My players need calm, we cannot expect everything straight away. What we achieved last season was unique and the club made astonishing profits from sales.
“I personally think we could’ve done even better and made history with this club. It’s disappointing that the players we did bring in largely aren’t ours, they are only on loan. I think we could’ve really opened up a new era. We should’ve had more courage.”
Verona signed Nikola Kalinic from Atletico Madrid on deadline day to bolster their attacking options.
“We only went after Kalinic in the last two-three days, because the strikers we had been targeting didn’t arrive. This was a huge opportunity that presented itself and I thank Atletico Madrid.
“If Kalinic returns to the player he was at Fiorentina, then we’ve got a great talent on our hands. When he’s in good shape, he’s of a very high level.
“Look, I’m happy that people are so enthusiastic about us, and I thank them for having so much faith in me, but we have to be clear-headed and not expect too much.”
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