JUVENTUS boss Andrea Pirlo has said that he plans to bench Cristiano Ronaldo this season to avoid his hit-man having a burn-out.
He admitted that Ronaldo won’t play in all matches this season after his side beat Sampdoria 3-0 in their opening game of the season.
Ronaldo scored 31 goals for Juve last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Pirlo has said he plans to rest Ronaldo this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Speaking on the subject to Sky Sports Italia, Pirlo said: “When it comes to less important games, we’ll try to give him a rest.
“He’s a very intelligent lad who knows his body very well, so he is aware of when it’s time to rest or to step it up.”
Ronaldo, who turns 36 this year, features in nearly all competitive matches for club and country, so it will be surprising for fans to see him on the bench.
Despite his age, his desire to score goals and titles has not simmered, so it would seem that Pirlo would have a challenge on his hands convincing Ronaldo to sit some games out.
But Pirlo revealed that the pair have already spoken about it and have agreed on a plan for Ronaldo to rest at times.
He said: “I’ve already thought about it and we’ve talked about it. Of course he’s not tired yet, we’ve just started.”
Ronaldo has also surprisingly revealed that if it were up to him he’d only play in national and Champions League games.
Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club
In an interview last year he said: “I’ll tell you, if it were up to me, I would only play some important games. Those of the national team and the Champions League.
“It’s these kinds of games that emerge, those with a stake, a difficult environment, a pressure.
Ronaldo still plays an important role for Juve and scored 31 goals for them last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pirlo seen together for first time as Juventus begin training ahead of new Serie A season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
