Spalletti laments the lack of character in the Juventus squad, expecting reinforcements in the summer
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti was not happy with his team after they scored a goal to take a two-goal lead in the Derby della Mole.
Due to a one-hour delay, the Bianconeri had it they already know their fate at halftimeAs other matches between clubs fighting for European places have ended, Roma and Como have secured a place in the Champions League, leaving Milan and Juve to settle in the Europa League.
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Nevertheless, Spalletti still expected his men to make a point by winning their last game of the season, especially given the importance of the Derby.
Dusan Vlahovic managed to score in both halves to give the Old Lady a two-goal lead, but the team’s quality dropped following a series of substitutions. Torino helps to celebrate and we grabbed a point thanks to goals from Cesare Casadei and Che Adams.
Luciano Spalletti criticizes the lack of character at Juventus
In his post-match interviews with Sky and DAZN, as well as the press conference, Spalletti reiterated the importance of character, something his players lack right now.
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“I am always a coach who has to analyze what happened. It is clear that it may have had an impact because everyone was talking about it and asking about it when they returned to the dressing rooms,” said the 67-year-old player. JuventusNews24.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that we were in charge of the game at that time and we should have seen it that way, it’s exactly like games like this where you see the character of the people, see how they are inside.
“It’s not the same thing to have two more points or two less points and it’s not the same to be different because the result comes from somewhere else.
“In my opinion, the difference is always made by the character of people. It is one of those qualities that are as important as physical strength, as well as technical methods: the mentality of a player who is not disturbed, who does not change at certain times, in certain fields, against certain opponents,” he added.
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“If you keep questioning what’s happening to you, then you don’t have character, and you can’t play for Juventus, because that’s what makes the difference.
“It is very difficult to teach character. You can teach techniques, you can teach tactics, but character is a quality you have”
When asked what type of players Juventus should buy in the summer, he insisted that the club must find mentally strong players.
“How do we improve? By buying players with character. Manuel Locatelli is a person with character – you can see him fight for every ball. Weston McKennie is a player with character. The runs Kenan Yildiz made to come back and defend something that is not usually part of his characteristics.
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Then, when we went astray in certain situations, that was unethical. Some things are done well, some are not.
How will Juventus attract top players outside of the Champions League
Despite missing out on a place in the Champions League, the Juventus coach believes the club must make an impact in its bid to attract top-quality players.
“We attract players by being competitive, there is work, there is a structure, there is a project, strong players are there, but you need John Elkann’s approval to build a strong team.
“When the market is opened, many things will happen along the way, we will have to succeed, and I also want to add something of my own, otherwise I will not have insomnia.”
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Spalletti also sent his best wishes to a Juventus fan who was seriously injured in pre-match clashes with local police, which delayed kick-off, while he also criticized Torino for preventing Juventus fans from wearing their club colors outside the away section.
“I want to send a hug to the fan in the hospital, from me, all the players and Juventus, because what comes back to my mind is the announcement I heard yesterday about the banning of black and white colors in one part of the stadium.
“It seems like an unreasonable decision to me, when I look at the efforts we are making to build better foundations and stronger football.
“Hearing that children are prohibited from wearing a headscarf seems strange and unreasonable to me. If colors become restrictions, the problem is probably not the colors—the problems are something else.”
