Ronaldo solves 100 problems for Juventus, says Sarri

Any failings on Cristiano Ronaldo's part are made up for 100-fold, says Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri.

Published : Jan 20, 2020 10:24 IST

Juventus talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored in either half to clinch victory on Sunday, capitalising on title rival Inter's failure to beat Lecce earlier in the day.
Juventus talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored in either half to clinch victory on Sunday, capitalising on title rival Inter's failure to beat Lecce earlier in the day.
lightbox-info

Juventus talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored in either half to clinch victory on Sunday, capitalising on title rival Inter's failure to beat Lecce earlier in the day.

Maurizio Sarri hailed "champion" Cristiano Ronaldo after his brace saw Juventus to a precious 2-1 Serie A home win against Parma.

Ronaldo scored in either half to clinch victory on Sunday, capitalising on title rival Inter's failure to beat Lecce earlier in the day.

The Portuguese was a defensive contributor, too, yet he was outjumped by Andreas Cornelius as Parma briefly pulled level. Sarri is happy to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to his star man, though.

RELATED| Juve 2-1 Parma: Ronaldo sends champion four points clear of Inter

"We have a champion who sometimes creates a problem for you but solves 100 of them," he told Sky Sport Italia . "The rest of the team has to revolve around him."

Ronaldo had chances for further goals, and Sarri was frustrated with his team's inability to extend its lead and set up a straightforward finale. "The mental intensity can be improved, even the management of certain moments of the matches," he said. "I don't even like dribbling in our own half in the last few minutes.

"I would prefer to concede a goal on the counter-attack than in our own penalty area.

"Putting Higuain on at 2-1 was a clear message to the team: let's end the game."

Victory saw Juve move four points clear of second-placed Inter, although Lazio is also a threat a further two points back but with a game in hand.

However, Sarri is concerned by neither the Nerazzurri nor the in-form capital club. "I have a fear for other things, not for football. Concern? Even that [would not describe it]," he said. "We are talking about sports.

"We know we have two very strong opponents. One is in an amazing moment that will hopefully not last long."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment