Luciano Spalletti reiterated his desire to have Massimiliano Allegri close to the Juventus bench, stating that the former Roma coach is a great friend and a professional he trusts. During the post-match press conference against Napoli, Spalletti recalled the failed handshake that occurred in 2023, underlining that the relationship between the two is still very strong. “I would like to have Max on the bench next to me,” he said, adding that “after the match I will go and look for him because he is a great friend and a great coach”.
The comment comes at a crucial moment for Juventus. A defeat against Napoli could put Spalletti's position in the team at risk, with the possibility of an imminent dismissal. The Tuscan coach expressed the need to change his approach compared to the previous match against Genoa, focusing on an "unbreakable" mental strategy that does not allow the muscles to give in. According to Spalletti, the key is to maintain mental strength so that the team can turn around any moment of the game.
Spalletti also highlighted the importance of a different approach than usual, in which the bench must be a solid point of reference for the players. “You need something that's unbreakable from a head perspective,” he explained, stressing that the team must be able to hold on even when the muscles get tired. This mentality, according to the coach, is essential to transform the match into a success.
Regarding the players' situation, Spalletti maintained his position of caution, without revealing specific details on any injuries or transfers. However, he reiterated his trust in the team and willingness to work with the players to achieve positive results.
Juventus' future will depend on their performances in the next matches. Spalletti expressed hope that he could count on Allegri to provide support and strategic advice, but also hinted that his position was still in the balance. The team management will have to carefully evaluate the situation, while the fans anxiously await the next developments.