14 October 2026
The Men’s First Team are back in UEFA Europa League action, this time with an away match against Spanish side Celta Vigo.
Having beaten NEC 4-0 in their Matchday 1 fixture, Luciano Spalletti’s side will be looking to secure another important three points on Thursday night.
The coach and Chico Conceicao spoke to the press to preview the action.
FRANCISCO CONCEICAO
“We played well against Cagliari. They’re not an easy side to face away from home. We’ve been discussing this over the last few days and we’re now ready for tomorrow’s match. I try to improve every day. We know we’re at a great club with big ambitions, but I’m aware that I need to be the first to improve and take steps forward. Celta Vigo are a good side, they did well last year and, as always, we must aim to take all three points to keep our Europa League campaign on track. I’m happy at Juventus, I have the confidence of the team, the manager and the club. This is a team where the need to win is high, so we must improve as soon as possible and sort out those little details that will lead us to success. I learn from many players; [Mohamed] Salah is a football legend. I try to learn from everyone to improve myself, I know I have the qualities to become even stronger and I must work to show them off.”
LUCIANO SPALLETTI
“This competition allows us to give playing time to those who feature less regularly. I need to let other lads rest and recharge their batteries, and it gives us the chance to watch other players and discover what is in the squad. In the Europa League there are several high-calibre teams, clubs that could well have qualified for the Champions League. Celta Vigo are capable of fielding a side with quality and experience, who are strong in both phases of the game. We cannot afford any moments during the match where we appear weaker. We need to perform at the highest level because we must demand that of ourselves and of our club.
"It’s essential that we make changes, given the tight schedule and also because we have a strong squad and not just 11 first-team regulars. Players like [Federico] Gatti and [Nick] Woltemade, for example, deserve a chance based on what they’ve shown when given the opportunity. What’s more, we need to give the others a breather, otherwise, it’ll be difficult to think we can go all the way. We’re still not aggressive enough when the match presents us with the chance to turn things around and swing the game in our favour. It’s in those moments that most matches are decided, we’re not aggressive enough in those key moments.
"After the matches, we analyse what happened and discuss what we want to change. We prepare some points to address, and this then forms part of the weekly work to be carried out. These are all things that aid the learning process, they act as a wake-up call because the match has shown us the problem. Then there’s also a discussion with the players, where the lads can share their thoughts. We’re always open to learning everything from everyone, otherwise, as I’ve already said, those who stop learning end up repeating themselves and doing the same things over and over. We want to seek out and explore something new.”
