On the eve of Juventus’ decisive clash against Benfica, Khephren Thuram faced the media to discuss the team’s mindset, his personal growth under Luciano Spalletti, and the evolution of his game since joining the Bianconeri.
A Direct Battle
Thuram underlined the importance of the upcoming fixture, stressing the club’s mindset and ambition.
“When you play for Juve, you always play to win. We’re not looking at the table — tomorrow’s game is what matters.”
Working with Spalletti
The midfielder praised the influence of head coach Luciano Spalletti, explaining how his approach has changed his attacking instinct.
“The way we play has changed a bit. The staff make me understand that I can score goals, so I look for spaces to get into the box and finish. It’s important both for me and for the team.”
Life at Juventus
Reflecting on his development since arriving in Turin, Thuram acknowledged how much the Juventus environment has shaped his mentality.
“Juventus has changed me a lot. Before coming here, I was younger and used to just train without thinking too much about what I needed to do. But I’ve learned that every day matters — every video, every moment. Everything you do in your life is to become stronger. It’s a way of living: giving everything and becoming stronger.”
On the Bench in Cagliari
Thuram addressed being left out of the starting line-up in recent matches, showing understanding and team spirit.
“When you’re a player, you always want to play, but we have a squad full of talented, strong players. If I’m on the bench, I accept it, I watch the game and try to help my teammates when I come on.”
Growing Belief
The Frenchman highlighted the team’s growing confidence.
“We feel stronger. You can see it when we play — and when you win more, you naturally feel stronger.”
Watching from the Sidelines
Even when not on the pitch, Thuram remains impressed by his teammates’ performances.
“From the outside, I saw a strong team playing good football and creating chances. We didn’t manage to win, but you can see we’re a solid side. After the game, our focus was already on the next one.”
National Team Focus
When asked about the World Cup, Thuram stayed grounded, choosing to focus on present objectives.
“I try not to think too much about the World Cup. What matters most is what we do now — growing as a player and as a team, winning more games. Then we’ll see about the national team.”
On Young Teammates Adzic and Miretti
Thuram also had kind words for Juventus’ young prospects.
“They’re both talented players, you can see it. Fabio works very hard every day to improve, and Adzic is also a talented player who trains well. I don’t give advice — they know the right path to reach their goals.”
Spalletti’s Football Philosophy
The midfielder expressed his appreciation for Spalletti’s style of football.
“I like the football the coach wants us to play.”
Shooting from Distance
Thuram revealed one key aspect of Spalletti’s instructions that helps his development.
“He doesn’t ask me to shoot from outside the box. He asks me to be an intelligent player who can anticipate things — that’s more important for growth. When you become smarter, you can anticipate what’s coming.”
