News Focus
- Gleison Bremer admits fault for expensive defensive mistake during home draw
- Luciano Spalletti concedes his centre-backs struggle when building attacks from deep
- Error led directly to Hellas Verona’s opening goal at the Allianz Stadium
- Incident revives scrutiny of Bremer’s previous comments about Juventus’ six-year trophy drought
Gleison Bremer has publicly apologised for a critical defensive lapse that cost Juventus three points against Hellas Verona. The Brazilian centre-back accepted full responsibility after the Serie A giants dropped points at the Allianz Stadium.
The mistake occurred when Bremer attempted to distribute the ball from deep inside his own penalty area. He aimed a pass towards Pierre Kalulu, but Verona winger Josip Bradaric read the play and cut out the ball. Bradaric immediately fed an unmarked team-mate, who fired past goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio at the near post to give the visitors the lead.
“I take full responsibility, no excuses. I should have done better,” Bremer stated after the final whistle. The defender added, “Now more united than ever, until the end.”
The Brazilian endured a difficult evening beyond the single error. He struggled against the Verona attack throughout the ninety minutes, frequently losing aerial duels and physical contests.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the issue during his post-match press conference. He explained that while Bremer and Lloyd Kelly possess excellent individual defensive qualities, they face difficulties when playing out from the back.
“Bremer and Kelly are two great defenders in terms of individual quality and in one-v-one duels,” Spalletti commented. “But in terms of building from the back they do concede something, these are aspects we have to live with.”
This latest slip will likely increase pressure regarding Bremer’s composure in possession. It also brings fresh attention to remarks he made several weeks ago, when he criticised the club’s recent history. “At Juventus they have been treading water for six years and that cannot happen,” Bremer said at the time. “It is important to go back to winning. To be considered champions you have to win, and I want to win.”