SUPERSTAR Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the Juventus starting XI could be under threat.
The 34-year-old has appeared to be loggerheads with boss Maurizio Sarri for weeks over his role at Juve.
Ronaldo has genuine competition for a place in Juve’s starting XI
And the ex-Chelsea manager gave his thoughts on the club’s attacking options and how he could select his forwards.
He said: “Right now, playing three forwards is difficult due to the characteristics of the players.
“You can’t prohibit Dybala from dropping deep, and at the same time Cristiano’s characteristics are not to play too central. We must take some precautions to fill the penalty area more.”
And with Dybala’s blistering form having played his way back into contention, and Higuain being a Sarri favourite – the sulky Ronaldo may find himself out of the starting XI at some point.
The feud between manager and player appeared to begin when the Portuguese legend reacted angrily to being substituted against AC Milan, appearing to shout “What the f***” as he exited the pitch.
He was then “rested” by Sarri due to fitness concerns for their next match against Atalanta… despite having scored on international duty the week before.
Ronaldo this week snubbed the Ballon d’Or awards do in Paris, in which he came third, to instead attend Serie A’s Gala del Calcio, in which he won awards.
The moody star, however, reportedly stayed in his CAR until it was time to pick up his own award, snubbing the rest of the ceremony.
And he has been criticised by two former Serie A star strikers.
Speaking to AS, ex Juve striker Nicolas Amoruso accused him of “dragging himself around the pitch for a few months now.”
Going on to say that: “He should swallow his pride and admit that, at his age, rest is pretty much more important than playing.”
While fellow former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic told GQ: “I will find the real Ronaldo in Italy? None of it! There is only one Ronaldo, the Brazilian!”
Juventus face a tricky trip to Lazio this weekend, having slipped to second after last week’s disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Sassuolo.
Cristiano Ronaldo baffles fans with unnecessary new headband as he helps Juventus beat old rivals Atletico Madrid
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
