On the eve of Juventus’ crucial Serie A clash against Fiorentina, head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the media with measured confidence and determination.
Reflecting on recent weeks, Spalletti said, “Clearly, we have worked hard. I didn’t have many players available, but with those I had, we focused on some important things. Yesterday, with the whole group, I saw something new—they were attentive to what was said, which is encouraging. The club is incredibly organised; players are fetched from the dressing rooms and delivered right to you. Some had long flights but still wanted to be here. While some had individual sessions, today all are available.”
On the team’s attacking approach, he remarked, “Numbers are always referenced, but the real task is finding stability to build our team’s strength, rather than constantly fixing individual issues. I told the players recently: my opinion of them aligns with what I thought after seeing and getting to know them. I am happy to have found what I hoped for; we have many important qualities. The key now is recognising the right moments and applying them effectively. We have almost everything we need.”
Discussing growth and resilience, Spalletti emphasised, “We must rely on our qualities and know them well. We must not let difficult periods overwhelm us and lose confidence in what we have. It’s about recognising which qualities to use in matches, which comes down to the collective behaviour of the team—knowing what to do in each phase of the game. That’s the hardest part, and we work mainly on that.”
On Teun Koopmeiners’ role, Spalletti said, “Is he a playmaker? A great player’s role doesn’t define his greatness; he brings his style wherever he plays. He has shown he can handle situations well and adapt. We are figuring out how best to utilise his skills. In recent games, he impressed me by excelling in areas I thought might be challenging, especially in the role Gasp used him, as an attacker. I’m glad he responded like this; it wasn’t guaranteed but he showed personality, maturity, and contributed experience to the team. We have strong defenders back now, Kelly and Cabal, so there might be a chance to see Koopmeiners in midfield.”
Addressing the upcoming fixture in Florence, Spalletti reflected on his connection with the city: “I’ve been in Florence before; I know it well. I will accept whatever situation I find because of that familiarity. I will enter the field as Juventus’ coach and accept everything. For the love of the sport, we must give our best, not our worst. I expect a great match from my players. We won’t just face a top team, but an entire city giving its all. It will be a tough game, but we are Juve, professionals. We have to show it.”
Discussing tactical considerations, Spalletti revealed, “A four-man defence? We have touched on it and need to consider it carefully. It requires certain components: centre-backs and players offering alternatives. We have done limited training together on this. It’s something we will take time to develop.”
He added on progress: “We can delve deeper, breaking down parts of matches. I have observed the players’ focus and it’s a step forward. Football is an open library to all. Players have shown attention to what we’ve discussed and have tried to implement it.”
On team spirit and personality, Spalletti commented, “Willingness makes the difference. In a group, you must share, bond, and have the same passion. It’s not just about passing the ball; other behaviours are essential. We have all the right characteristics; it’s a talented group with many good young men. Being Juventus doesn’t mean arrogance; it means not succumbing to pressure. Personality is what you develop depending on the environment and situation. Sometimes your attitude must adapt. A bit of healthy madness, creativity, a shot in the night that surprises you—that’s what awakens you and makes you react differently. We’re going to play against a strong team, coached by someone I admire; we must be at our best and ready for anything. Sometimes that means turning the tide.”
When asked about Kenan Yildiz’s contract situation, Spalletti stated, “That’s not for me—I listen and watch but it’s up to the club. For me, Yildiz is straightforward; he’s one of those players who breaks formations and schemes. He’s the one who brings that ‘shot in the night.’ Anyone who engages with Yildiz engages with the whole team. He knows how to be part of the group and is a real leader.”
On national team issues, Spalletti shared, “I’m not concerned about what’s been said. I’ve faced much harsher situations than those attributed to me. It’s useless to repeat the same arguments. We knew this path would be hard and we’re still in the race for our goals. We’ve realised we were dealing with a strong national team, like ours. We must support the players and the coach. Other discussions only disturb them. We should all help by showing affection and backing them. I care about these players and Gattuso. As Juventus head coach, I say if the national team needs anything from me, we’ll gladly provide support in terms of time and availability to contribute towards their World Cup qualification—I’m convinced it will happen—and if we can help, we should all do it together.”
