31 October 2026
The Juventus coach's words ahead of the clash against Napoli, discussing the team's current situation, the determination to bounce back and Juventus' birthday.
Luciano Spalletti spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus-Napoli, reflecting on the team's current form, the need to return to winning ways and the Club's 129th birthday on 1 November.
JUVENTUS' BIRTHDAY AND THE DETERMINATION TO BOUNCE BACK
“I wish for Juventus to fulfil the hopes of its fans, to see a team that delivers what the supporters want to see. There is only one way to win matches, and that is to show greater determination. That is what leads to victories, while other approaches lead to defeat. What stays with me is the journey we have been on so far, and we are not satisfied with where we are. Certain things have happened that have created difficulties. The team and I want to get Juventus back on track. That is what we live and work for, and we have to earn back the respect that some people have taken away from us.”
THE CHALLENGE AGAINST NAPOLI
“We need to be a balanced team because we are going into an extremely difficult match. There will be no areas of the pitch where we can simply defend or attack, because there will be no time for that. Zhegrova and Boga are players who, even if they do not start, will come on in the second half. We have to do something different from what we did against Genoa. We need something unbreakable, because physical strength can fade, but mental strength cannot. I would be pleased to have Max alongside me on the bench. I will go and find him after the match because he is a great friend and a great coach.”
THE SQUAD AND ITS LEADERS
“It is easy to draw a comparison with De Rossi, and Locatelli is a similar figure, even though he is currently unavailable. I see McKennie as someone who shares my way of looking at things, and there are several players like that in this squad. Right now, I still have decisions to make about 50% of the team, but there are plenty of players I can rely on. When things are not going well, a training retreat can be useful. These players get along well, they are friends and they enjoy spending time together in Turin. I believe that same emotional connection can help us rediscover the quiet authority that earns people's respect.”
CONFIDENCE AND OBJECTIVES
“I have experienced similar situations before because I have been fortunate enough to coach teams fighting to win trophies, as well as others where I had to improve their position in the table. When you are not getting results at Juventus, the scrutiny becomes much more intense. I am used to difficult moments and I do not need to be shielded from them. I just need a reaction from the team, and it is my job to bring that out of them. I am not asking my players to do impossible things, only things that are within their abilities and capabilities. I want to win matches.”
