On the eve of Juventus’ clash with Lazio, Luciano Spalletti addressed the media at Continassa to discuss his team’s mindset, injuries, and tactical approach following the midweek Coppa Italia defeat. The manager also celebrated Kenan Yildiz’s contract renewal, hailing it as a key step for the club’s future.
“A Very Important Day for Juventus”
Speaking about Yildiz’s new deal, Spalletti opened with genuine enthusiasm:
“It’s a very important day for the future of Juventus. It’s wonderful to think of having Kenan in the team for as many years as possible.”
The coach confirmed that the young forward will be available to face Lazio, explaining:
“Yildiz is available — he trained fully with the team today. Conceição and Kelly worked separately, and we’ll evaluate them tomorrow since little time has passed. It’s better to assess them on matchday.”
Spalletti on His Own Future
Asked about his own future and contract, Spalletti struck a calm tone.
“I think it’s right not to put pressure on these things. The club needs time to make evaluations. As for me, if I manage to prove my value like Kenan has, then it can be a possibility.
Our focus must remain on preparing matches the right way. Juventus have things to sort out, including renewals — even mine — but I came here leaving that choice to the club.
There are matches that can change opinions, so everything should be done calmly. I often speak with Elkann on the phone and feel he’s very close to us — involved in our drive to become stronger. Having him nearby makes us feel even stronger.”
Tactical Philosophy and Squad Depth
Reflecting on team selection and squad usage, he said:
“We’re often forced to make choices. Because of our structure on the pitch, relationships between players and their ability to influence each other are fundamental.
I don’t see a big difference between the so‑called regulars and the others. The performance dictates it. Against Monaco, it wasn’t because of those who had played less — the whole team was below their usual level. I’d actually absolve those who came off the bench.”
“Possession Gives Us Control”
Spalletti offered his thoughts on style and balance:
“Between possession‑based teams and result‑based teams, I say there are also those in between — the ‘balancers’. Having the ball helps decide our fate. If you let Lazio have possession, they’ll do what they enjoy most — you know Sarri and his teams.
We aim to adapt within games. The idea is to keep the ball more, but what you do with it is key — whether you attack vertically or circulate it slowly. Sometimes sterile possession only helps statistics; other times quick vertical play changes everything. It’s a fluid system — we assess things as they happen.”
Yildiz’s Influence and Personality
Asked about Yildiz’s leadership at just 20, Spalletti praised both his talent and human qualities:
“It means he gives strength to the whole team. Great players are measured by how they connect with and influence the group — that’s how everyone becomes stronger. He has that explosive one‑on‑one ability that immediately creates an advantage.
Beyond his talent, he’s a wonderful lad — always smiling, joking, respectful. Understanding people and knowing how to be around others is a rare gift. That’s true culture — being able to fit into different contexts and still be appreciated. Kenan has that quality in abundance.”
On New Arrivals: Boga and Holm
Spalletti welcomed the January additions and hinted at their roles:
“They’re both strong players who can help us. Boga can act as Yildiz’s alternative — he has those same quick feet and one‑on‑one skills, and can adapt to different positions. Holm I’ve known for longer — my wife’s from La Spezia and I saw him often there. He’s developed a lot since, and now he’s come from a big club in Bologna with experience under Italiano. They’re both important additions.”
Strengthening the Squad Further
The coach underlined the need for smart recruitment:
“One of a manager’s best qualities is convincing the club to buy the right players. You need footballers with personality and quality, capable of making the team play. At Juventus, the objectives are big, so investments must be meaningful — not just decorative.”
Facing Lazio
Turning to Sunday’s opponents, Spalletti’s respect for Sarri’s side was clear:
“Lazio are an ever‑moving team that knows how to play football. Adapting to changing scenarios is crucial. Sarri’s teams are compact — you always feel them collectively, not as individuals. We’ll need to read situations quickly, maintain rhythm and balance, and play as one connected unit. They play better than their league position suggests.”
On Attack and McKennie’s Role
Spalletti discussed Juventus’ evolving approach in attack:
“In modern football, the centre‑forward is often the starting point rather than the finishing point. Finishing is now spread across the team, and that’s how we operate. The striker creates space, allowing players like McKennie to make runs.
Sometimes the forward drops deep to build play, sometimes to drag defenders out — that creates new spaces. We want to be that team that senses what’s advantageous, knows when to accelerate, and when to be patient.”
Praise for Kelly and Conceição
On summer arrival Kelly, he said:
“He’s a very strong player, but he’s still using only a small part of his potential. People think he’s only left‑footed, but he’s great on his right too. He’s got a powerful shot — I’d like him to take some free kicks. He’s complete.”
On Conceição’s progress:
“He needs to grow. In modern football, you must quickly recognise the pass that changes a match — those moments last only a few seconds. The ball obeys the idea before the foot; you need clarity of thought, otherwise instinct alone won’t always give you the right outcome.”
“We’re Not Playing Against a Team, But Against Our Future”
Spalletti closed with an inspiring message about consistency and mentality:
“We must have a broader vision — not just think about who’s in front of us. We’re not playing against a team; we’re playing against the league, against our future.
Each match is ours, and we must play it with our identity regardless of the opponent’s name. Our mentality defines us — it mustn’t break. It’s the voice that tells the world who you are, in every context.”
