There is something immediately admirable about the way Randal Kolo Muani chooses to address criticism. When a manager publicly challenges you — in front of the cameras, in front of the supporters — the response that comes most naturally to a footballer of genuine character is not deflection or excuse-making. It is accountability. And ahead of Sunday’s home match against Milan, Juventus’s centre-forward has chosen the direct route.
“The First Experience Here Was Perfect — I Came Back to Finish the Work”
Kolo Muani opened by framing his return in terms that will resonate deeply with a fanbase that has waited over a year for this moment. “The first experience here was beautiful: teammates, staff, supporters, everything. It was all perfect and I felt like family. And then it was important to return to finish the work that had been started — to bring Juventus, the most important club in Italy, an iconic club, back to the top. Now we think match by match, step by step. But I want to score many goals and improve.”
“Spalletti Is Right — I Had the Right Chances and I Needed to Score”
The Frosinone strigliata — delivered publicly by the manager after a match in which the French striker missed several clear opportunities — received its most direct and honest response yet. “Spalletti’s words? He is right. When we create so many opportunities we must also be capable of converting them — and after that match, I knew myself that I had had the right chances. For me the most important thing is to play. I can play on the wing, as the central striker, as the number ten — it is not a problem.”
“Woltemade? We Can Play Together — It Would Not Be a Problem at All”
The question of how Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade might coexist in the same Juventus attack received a typically straightforward answer. “We can play together — it would certainly not be a problem.” It is a statement that opens tactical possibilities Spalletti has not yet deployed but has not ruled out: a double-striker option that combines Kolo Muani’s dynamic movement with Woltemade’s physical presence and aerial authority.
“The Goals Will Come — The Group Spirit Is Excellent”
On the absence of a goal across Juventus’s opening two competitive matches, Kolo Muani was measured and entirely free of anxiety. “I am not worried about not having scored yet. The spirit of the group is excellent, the team plays well and creates chances — the goals will come.” He added a specific endorsement of the manager’s system: “I like Spalletti very much — he aims to offer many solutions. We can continuously swap positions and we must be very aggressive and fast in transitions.”
“Milan Will Be a Very Important Test — and I Have Never Played Against Them”
The closing thought arrived with a note of genuine personal curiosity that humanises the pre-match build-up. “Juve-Milan will be a very important test — Milan are also a great club and we must be ready. And then I am curious: I have never played against them.” From a striker who has faced virtually every major club in European football, the admission that the match carries a novelty is both charming and entirely credible. Sunday’s match provides the opportunity. The goals, as he has promised, will follow.
