Manuel Locatelli’s role at Juventus is once again under the microscope. Luciano Spalletti, never a manager to compromise on his footballing philosophy, appears unconvinced that the Juventus captain suits his model of play. The friction between player and manager is not new — but its re-emergence in December, just weeks before the January transfer window, raises the possibility of a shock departure.
IlBianconero report that the roots of Spalletti’s scepticism stem back to his time as Italy’s national coach. Prior to Euro 2024, he left Locatelli out of the squad in favour of Nicolò Fagioli, praising the Juventus midfielder’s technique and defensive discipline but branding his style “too conservative” for the modern game.
Spalletti Still Unconvinced
Fast forward to the present, and the tune is unchanged. Following Juventus’s 2–1 defeat to Napoli, Spalletti publicly criticised Locatelli’s positioning, noting that “he dropped too deep and failed to maintain structure,” a lapse that disrupted Juve’s midfield balance. It was a revealing remark — demonstrating that Spalletti still envisions a regista who dictates play with flair and initiative, much like the Brozović or Lobotka-type players he previously relied on.
In his ideal 4-3-3, the deep-lying midfielder is not merely a shield but a creative pivot. Locatelli, for all his reliability and defensive effort, has yet to convince the coach he can fulfil that role with the dynamism required.
Substitution and Fan Reaction
The tension deepened during Juventus’s recent Champions League clash with Pafos. Locatelli was replaced by Openda after an hour and met with a mix of applause and whistles from the Allianz Stadium crowd. The response stung, considering his loyal service and consistent presence after defeats when accountability is needed most. For a captain who often faces the spotlight in difficult moments, the reaction seemed unduly harsh.
Considering January Options
Despite this, Locatelli remains one of the most utilised players in the squad, amassing over 1,400 minutes across 20 appearances this season. His contract runs through to June 2028, but the situation is growing increasingly delicate. The midfielder rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last summer when Al Ahli offered €25 million and a significant salary. His decision to stay was motivated by loyalty — the belief he could lead Juventus’s resurgence. Yet, with Spalletti’s tactical shift, that vision may be fading.
If new approaches arrive in January — particularly from Premier League clubs offering both competitive football and financial incentive — Juventus and Locatelli may re-evaluate their stance. For sporting director Damien Comolli, sanctioning such a move could help unlock funds for a midfielder more attuned to Spalletti’s system.
The Danilo Warning
However, recent history urges caution. The “Danilo case” still lingers in memory: the former captain was sold last January under Thiago Motta and went on to lift multiple trophies with Flamengo within months. Repeating that error, by parting with another locker-room leader, could backfire spectacularly.
Balancing short-term tactical fit with long-term leadership stability will define Juventus’s next move. For now, Locatelli’s future remains intertwined with Spalletti’s evolving project — one that might yet push the captain toward an unexpected exit.
