Zaccheroni pleas to Juventus fans to get behind players

Juventus coach Alberto Zaccheroni is hoping fans get behind his players today against Sampdoria.

The tension spilled out in the final minutes of the Fulham defeat last week, when Jonathan Zebina and Felipe Melo reacted angrily to jeers from the fans.

Zaccheroni said: “Unfortunately there is an unwritten rule in football. When you get results, you are a hero, but if results falter then all the trouble comes bubbling up.

“As a team we must learn to handle these moments of tension and control our emotions. I understand both positions, as it’s not pleasing to be jeered the moment you walk out for the warm-up, but a football player has to live with that.

“On the other hand, the fans react that way because of their passion and love for the club. I have to condemn both attitudes.

“We’ve got to live with the general malcontent around the side and avoid firing it back out, even when someone has reason to do so. It’s important that everyone knows we’re giving it our all and I can guarantee that, as those who don’t give 100 per cent won’t play under my watch.”