DPT FINAL - Post Match Reaction

[JB@Norwich]

DPT FINAL - Post Match Reaction

[AB@Juventus]

Juventus 1 - 0 Monaco

The final, firstly we knew it was going to be a tough task to win this game...Not only because we were without 3 first team players in Fofana, Wirtz and DeKetelaere but because we were up against a quality Monaco team managed by a very experienced manager.

Secondly, it was a shame to see the tickets we reserved for the Leeds United manager go unused as he declined our invitation to watch the final....He probably didn't want to be on the losing side of a DPT Cup final (Again)

Onto the game and I felt that despite the missing players, we still needed to play positive football and trusted in our P tactic. Monaco perhaps presumed we'd play C and hope for the best as they came out with an European tactic.

The first half was back and forth, with both teams having spells of pressure, with us coming the closest on 42 minutes as defender J_Forlin rounded the Monaco goalkeeper only to blaze his effort over the bar and we entered half time with the score still at 0-0.

Into the second half and two minutes that defined the game were 49 & 50. In the 49th minute, Monaco striker T_Awoniyi's effort crashed off of the underside of the crossbar and bounced down onto the line with the officials ruling that the ball hadn't crossed the line.

Just 1 minute later, the soon departing S_Botman found long time Roma target A_Isak in space and he smashed us into the lead sending the thousands of Juventus fans crazy in a moment that will never be forgotten in Turin.

The fans could be heard chanting 'Baldy, what's the score?' towards the VIP box where the Leeds United manager was meant to be in.

So we had the lead, but could we hold on? The game continued how it has started, with both teams creating chances but we managed to hold on to claim the club's first DPT Cup and become Italy's most successful team.

Statistically we were marginally the better team and that's probably enough for a 1-0 win, but a draw/loss wasn't out of question and it has to be tough for Monaco to take. Good game John and a great tournament for you and your team.

I'd just like to take this moment to dedicate this victory to Tim Davey of Leeds United, a man who despite trying the last 2 seasons...couldn't win a competition that he 'should have had in his pocket'.....

[Johnboy]

Juventus 1 - Monaco 0

On the one hand I'm very disappointed to lose this one - we'll never have a better chance to win a trophy than we had this with Juventus having 3 first team players unavailable.

On the other hand, having faced Liverpool, AC Milan and West Ham in our cup run I'm amazed we even got to the final.

As AB has suggested this game was closer than the league match earlier in the season so I cant blame the players, it was always likely to be a tight game and the team that scored first would have come out on top, unfortunately this time it wasnt us.

Focus now is improving performances in the league so we can qualify for this competition again next season.

Well played AB, good luck in the Champions League next season.