2013-14: NOVEMBER UPDATE
In terms of Serie A, this was a wonderful month for the club as we won every game, but failed to win a UEFA Champions League tie in November.
Results
This was a fairly poor game, but it was a well contested match from the outset and was pleased to pick up the three points, though again I was talking to my team about discipline come the end of the 90. Arturo Vidal, this time sent off for Bianconeri.
This was the game that I reached breaking point with regard to our discipline. Martin Cacares was sent off after just 17 minutes, completely changing our game plan and ruining the hard few days of preparation that had gone into this game. I openly criticized my players for this lack of discipline as I was constantly fielding questions regarding it, I told the press straight and hoped that it would click with my players and motivate them to behave. We sealed qualification with a point but I was disappointed not to hang on for the win and seal 1st place after going 1-0 up. We found ourselves behind but with a minute to go Bryan Oviedo sent the Juve fans in delirium with a vicious shot from 30 yards.
This was a great win for us. Paul Pogba keeping us on track late in the game with a well worked team goal.
Martin Cacares came back from suspension this game and scored the only goal of the game, as ever a really important 3pts for us. The match saw Andrea Pirlo pick up a knee problem which would rule him out for 4 weeks. Paul Pogba picked up a knock in this game, and then tore his hamstring in training a day later. He's out for up to 3 months. Big blow for the club.
I'm starting to worry. Our performances are nothing like what they were at the start of the season and in Serie A we are scraping victories against far lesser teams. Though I will take sole responsibility for this defeat. We were missing several key players through injury and I attempted to play with our usual system and attack at pace. 3 times we were hit on the counter and didn't have the will to hit back. It is a shame, and I am a little tentative about recent performances. On a lighter note, we haven't had a man sent off in two games - progress!
Much better. This result regained my confidence and it was just like the 'start of season Juve'. Blistering going forward and solid as a rock at the back. Very pleasing. It was great to see Carlos bag a hat-trick and Martin Montoya continue his good form getting forward from right-back. Unfortunately Giorgio was forced off with a sports hernia that has been bothering him. It's been operated on and we expect him back on the training ground in around 7 weeks time.
Player of the Month
The legendary goalkeeper has double handedly kept us in this title race this month. The games we scraped victories in he was man of the match and made some unbelievable saves that meant we could go on and win the game. He has played through injury on two occasions this month but the physio has finally told me to leave him out of the squad for a week so he can recover from both wrist and thigh injuries. He did not play against Marseille due to injury. Gianluigi, we salute you!
Serie A
Tremendous month in the league even though our performances were far from it. 12pts from a possible 12 and still top of the table. Hopefully we stay there.
UEFA Champions League
Disappointing November in Europe that has put our position at the top of the group in jeopardy. Luckily it's still in our hands, so long as we beat Steaua at home, it doesn't matter what happens in Porto as we will go through on GD should Marseille win.
October Fixtures
Writers' Note
I am getting a little worried now because I feel our performances are really below par and the injuries to Pogba and Chiellini could be really damaging. Luckily January is coming up and I hope to bring in some top European talent during that transfer window. Still top in every table though - so it's not all bad!
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