Buffon says charisma behind Juve success
Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon says he prefers to be known as charismatic rather than a leader as the club edged closer to retaining their Serie A title.
By FOX Sports Staff
Buffon played his part on Sunday as the champions recorded an important 1-0 victory over Catania in Turin which extended their lead atop of Serie A to nine points with 10 games
"I don't really like that word [leader] because it can imply that someone is overbearing," Buffon was quoted on the club's website as saying.
"I prefer to be charismatic. This means that you've earned the respect of others.
"The great thing about us is that the group is made up of charismatic people, who can dig us out of a hole at any moment."
On Sunday it was substitute Emanuele Giaccherini who emerged as the 'charismatic' hero for Juve by popping up at the death to score the winning goal.
"Given that Catania's attackers are very dangerous, it was important not to concede a goal, because 0-0 would still have taken us seven points clear of Napoli. Also, if you don't concede, something can always happen at the death," Buffon said.
"We tried and believed right until the end and managed to get the victory. But now we need to stay alert because the last time we increased our advantage, we slipped up the following Sunday."
Juve's closests rivals Napoli slipped up 2-0 at Chievo in the early kick-off on Sunday.