Italian football manager Bortolo Mutti has criticised Juventus for not providing Manuel Locatelli the environment to fully develop his potential. Speaking on Radio Bianconera (as quoted by TuttoJuve) during the RBN Caffè programme, Mutti described Locatelli as a “great professional” who does not deserve the difficulties and criticism he has faced this season.
Mutti commented:
“Locatelli? He doesn’t deserve this. He’s a great professional. Juventus themselves are not allowing him to grow as he could. The difficulties the team is encountering this year are obvious. There is no leader. You need a coach who can create that kind of figure. However, Locatelli is an excellent player, he also plays for the national team. He doesn’t deserve certain criticism. He certainly earns his bread and gives everything. To me, he’s a profile that fits Juventus well, but the club itself should do more. Leaders are also missing in the national team. Our football is depriving itself of these personalities.”
Mutti also shared his thoughts on the roles of Koopmeiners and Vlahovic under the coaching of Luciano Spalletti. About Koopmeiners, he said:
“First, I say that Gatti does his part well defensively. I see the Dutchman well in that role because he’s good in the build-up phase. The coach sometimes needs to invent something, obviously with logic. I imagine he will move back later and be an added value.”
Turning to Vlahovic, Mutti praised the striker as a crucial player for Juventus:
“Vlahovic? He is the best striker in our league. When he’s not there, you miss him. He’s an important element. It’s no coincidence Allegri wanted him at Milan. He’s an asset to keep and can still improve. He also needs to be supported in terms of game dynamics.”
