Juventus coach Ferrara likens himself to Rocky

Ciro Ferrara has likened himself to Rocky as he battles to keep his job at Juventus.

The Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League in December and are now in jeopardy of missing out on qualifying for next year's edition after a terrible run in Serie A culminated in a 3-0 defeat at home to Milan on Sunday.

Juventus President Jean-Claude Blanc and the club's vice general manager are believed to have Russia manager Guus Hiddink waiting in the wings to replace Ferrara.

Speaking at a pre-match Press Conference, Ferrara said: “I know what the club thinks, but I am also big enough to understand that the destiny of every Coach is linked to results. So, if the results are not there the club will take the action that it considers the most just and the most suitable to change the team's negative tendency.

“If this were to result in my dismissal as a Coach then I would not take it as a defeat. Absolutely. I would take it as a sign of growth.

“I think it's right that the club, the President and Bettega are constantly in contact with what the situation is and with what the team is like.

“It's clear that neither one of them goes on the pitch and that the technical-tactical situation is completely different, but it seems normal to me that they come to training.

“My friend, one of the few that I have recently, told me: 'You are like Rocky'. I have taken so many punches and am covered in blood but I still say to my opponent: 'You can't hurt me,' and then I come out even stronger because you aren't hurting me. There is nothing that can put me down.”