AFP, Milan :
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has left doubts hanging over his future at the club after calling for investment to boost their chances of becoming a competitive force in Europe. Conte’s side won the title on Sunday without even lacing up their boots when closest challengers Roma crashed 4-1 away to Catania.
The Turin giants celebrated their third consecutive scudetto in front of home fans on Monday following a 1-0 win over Atalanta, but the painful memory of what might have been lingers.
Having crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages Juve progressed to the semi-final of the Europa League and within sight of a May 14 final at their own stadium. Yet after a 2-1 first leg defeat away to Benfica, Juventus failed to produce the decisive goal in a dominant second leg that would have secured a final ticket against Sevilla.
Conte has previously complained of the club’s comparative lack of spending power against richer clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Asked after Monday’s win about the club’s chances in Europe next season, he replied: “When you have 10 euros in your pocket you can’t eat in a restaurant where the meal will cost you 100.”
Juve’s success this season has come partly down to the 34 combined league goals scored by strikers Carlos Tevez (19) and Fernando Llorente (15), both of whom joined the club for the start of the season.
But Conte, it appears, wants more quality in depth to help boost his side’s Champions League potential.
“It’s been three successful but stressful years, and now people expect us to automatically win in Europe, but it’s never quite so easy,” added Conte.
“I will be sitting down to talk to the club.”
Further doubts about Conte’s future emerged when he added:
“It has been a very intense and tiring three years, also for my family. They know how much I’ve put into the club during this time.
“Whatever happens, Juventus will always be my home. This club is my family. I will be sitting down with the club to talk about things in a calm but clear manner.”
Juve’s win on Monday was their 31st of the season, a new Serie A record, and means they have won all 18 home games so far.
With two games remaining-Juve travel to Roma next Sunday and then host Cagliari on the final day of the season-they have amassed 96 points and remain on course to become the first Serie A side with a tally of at least 100.
