News Focus
- Luciano Spalletti says Juventus players need to show more mental strength but accepts full responsibility for recent poor results
- The Bianconeri face Torino FC in the Derby della Mole on Sunday evening with Champions League qualification almost impossible
- Kenan Yildiz misses out through injury but Khephren Thuram returns to the squad for the crucial city clash
- Spalletti dismisses resignation talk and admits to “clashes” with CEO Damien Comolli over squad planning
- Juventus likely need to beat Torino and hope both Roma and AC Milan lose to secure a top-four finish
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has defended his players despite admitting the team lacks character during crucial moments. The Italian coach insists he will not point fingers at his squad ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Mole against Torino FC.
The Old Lady visit the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino for the 19:45 UK time kick-off. Even three points may not prove enough for a Champions League spot. AS Roma and AC Milan both sit ahead of Juventus in the Serie A table entering the final weekend.
Spalletti’s side controlled their own destiny until a shock 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina last week. That loss has thrown their European hopes into doubt and increased pressure on the coaching staff.
“I want a performance that matches the Juventus shirt,” Spalletti told reporters. “This match is massive. I expect a reaction from my players.”
The former Italy national team boss accepts his share of the blame for recent struggles. He believes motivating men requires treating them with respect rather than criticism.
“When we lose important games, I look at myself first,” he explained. “I always speak to my players as men. I try to lift their hearts and minds so they can exceed their limits. If we fail, the responsibility starts with me.”
Spalletti noted that previous Juventus coaches also complained about squad attitude. He suggested this points to a deeper problem within the club culture rather than just tactical failures.
“I will not dump my disappointment on the players,” he stressed. “I criticise myself first. But character matters in high-pressure moments. It separates protagonists from the rest.”
The coach defined character as behaviour when nobody watches, not just survival instinct during matches. He urged his team to find their identity in these private moments.
Squad news sees Kenan Yildiz ruled out with a muscle problem. However, French midfielder Khephren Thuram comes back into contention for the derby.
Spalletti joined Juventus mid-season following Igor Tudor’s sacking. He maintains this was the correct decision despite the current difficulties.
Reports suggest CEO Damien Comolli faces the sack, though Spalletti denies considering resignation himself. “Leaving never crossed my mind,” he stated. “The club trusts me and I trust them.”
He confirmed occasional disagreements with Comolli regarding squad construction. “We clash sometimes because we both have strong opinions,” Spalletti admitted. “But we share the goal of building a stronger Juventus. We had lunch together today. Our relationship is fine.”
Juventus must defeat Torino and hope both Roma and Milan slip up to salvage a top-four finish. Spalletti remains optimistic about creating a team that makes supporters proud, regardless of Sunday’s outcome.