Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri
has played down talk of him having a problem with Cristiano
Ronaldo after the Portugal star stormed off following his
substitution in Sunday's 1-0 win over AC Milan on Sunday.
Ronaldo was replaced by Paulo Dybala, who scored the goal
that enabled the Turin giants to overcome stiff resistance from
Milan and stay top of Serie A.
Juve, who are aiming for a ninth consecutive Serie A title,
have 32 points from 12 games, one point more than Inter, who
beat Hellas Verona 2-1 on Saturday.
"Ronaldo is not a problem, on the contrary," Sarri said.
"He must be thanked because he put himself at the service of
the team even though he is not in excellent physical shape.
"He has had a problem with his knee for the last 20-25 days
after taking a knock in training.
"Lots of other players would have said they could not play,
but he played even though he was in difficulty.
"A coach likes it when a player has five minutes of rage when
you take them off".
Ronaldo appeared to play down his storming off and leaving
the ground before the end of the match.
"Tough match, important win," was all he said on Instagram.
His mother Dolores and sister Katia commented by posting a
string of hearts.
Fans were split.
One said "get some rest and make everyone shut up once
again".
Another said "you didn't get a look at the ball with (Milan
defender Andrea) Conti, it should make you think".
Former Roma, Milan and England manager Fabio Capello told Sky
Sport "Ronaldo is a great champion, that's not in question, but
he isn't well at the moment and it's right to take him off. The
truth is that Ronaldo hasn't dribbled past an opponent in three
years".
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