Spalletti slams his Juventus: “Too far from the Scudetto”
On the eve of the first summer friendly against Basel, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti took stock of the situation at a press conference, addressing the main topics of this preseason phase: from the work done in the first few weeks to the transfer market, all the way to the season’s goals. Regarding his first impressions of the team, Spalletti explained: “I’ve found a team that’s aware it didn’t meet last year’s goals, but is confident it can achieve them in the future. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we can work on our weaknesses.”
The coach then described how he’s been coping over the past few weeks, which have also been marked by changes within the club: “I focus solely on my job. I’ve felt uneasy these past few weeks because of what we didn’t achieve; I’ve been thinking only about organizing our preseason to set us on a better path. Getting back on track is the most important thing; Juve isn’t built to play catch-up.”
Regarding the transfer market, Spalletti emphasized the need to make changes to the roster: “The roster needs to be strengthened and bolstered, and in some positions, it also needs to be filled out. We need to do some thorough work, knowing that the timeline dictated by the World Cup could pose challenges. Objectively, we face some difficulties, but the transfer window is long and there’s time. In any case, we’re all on the same page about the path we need to take.”
Speaking about ambitions for the new season, the coach clearly outlined the goals: “We definitely need to improve many things: the first is to consistently maintain the same level of discipline and performance. If we’re in the right shape, we can compete for the top four spots and a high finish in the standings, but we have to play well and not make any mistakes. Perhaps we’re too far from the Scudetto.”
A question about Dusan Vlahovic’s future was also inevitable: “I’ve done what I had to do; beyond that, there are financial matters that don’t concern me. I can say the door is open, but you have to ring the doorbell…” Spalletti then spoke about Kenan Yildiz, who’s just returned from a period of rest: “Yildiz needed rest, and I think it did him good. If needed, he’ll also be given a structured training regimen. We want to provide him with the best we have.”
He also touched on new signings Zeki Celik and Jeff Ekhator. His assessment of the Turkish defender was very positive: “Celik is reliable and has the spirit of a warrior; bringing him to Turin was a good idea. Ekhator has significant potential, but he needs to be allowed to develop at his own pace without being rushed. The transfer window is open, and we have to live with the fear that some players might leave. Top clubs know how to spring surprises, and what happened yesterday with Celik proves it.”
