[KillerMax]

Juventus boss Didier Deschamps has admitted that he never expected to be coaching the club in Serie B. “It’s unthinkable,” he stated on Thursday.

The Old Lady have been demoted to the Second Division for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, a situation which the Frenchman concedes is extraordinary.

“No one could ever have imagined this would happen, it’s unthinkable, but that’s life. My job is to make sure we now win,” he stated.

Although the tactician is still dreaming of a First Division recall after another appeal, he’s primarily focused on making the Bianconeri great again.

“We’re still hoping to start this season in Serie A – given the differential treatment afforded to the other clubs I think we have a strong case,” he noted.

“We’ll have to wait and see though. Whatever happens, Juve are still Juve and we have a new story here waiting to be written.”

A new chapter will have to be penned by new players though after the high profile departures of Emerson, Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Patrick Vieira.

“There are the established players here, the new arrivals, the younger players who already have experience in A and B and those who are just beginning their careers here, who add invaluable youth and enthusiasm to the squad and who will get their chance when they are ready,” added Deschamps.

One familiar face will definitely remain though in the shape of club captain Alessandro Del Piero, a former colleague of Deschamps.

“Alex will captain the side as he has done in previous seasons, he is the natural leader of this team,” the former Monaco boss noted.

“We played together many years ago and although the roles have changed now, I would never change the experiences we had together as teammates.”

Juventus continue their pre-season training with a friendly against La Spezia on Friday and want-away striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play.

“It will be his first game for the new Juventus,” the Coach stated. “His future? His agent can say what he wants, I have no time to waste.”

Football Italia