Spalletti eager to see Juventus and Openda ‘without pressure’ in Champions League

Luciano Spalletti confirmed big Juventus changes for tomorrow’s Champions League trip to AS Monaco. ‘Lois Openda is upfront, curious to see us without pressure of needing a result.’

It kicks off in Monaco on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET), the final round of the league phase in this tournament.

The Bianconeri have already secured a play-off spot, but want to make sure they are in the top half of the table to guarantee their status as top seeds.

“There is no better way to prove our current form,” assured Spalletti in his press conference and on Sky Sport Italia.

“We do not have the tension of needing a result, so let’s see what we can do when we are free mentally.

“Monaco won’t be making calculations, they cannot afford to sit back and wait, while we are playing to win, to aspire to something more. I expect an open and entertaining game against a strong opponent.”

Juventus are fresh off a 2-0 win against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League, and a 3-0 Serie A showdown victory over Napoli.

With all that in mind, Spalletti has promised some squad rotation, and was unusually forthright about the changes he will make.

“We played two days ago and will play again two days after that, so there will be a few adjustments. I can say that Koopmeiners will play in midfield, while Bremer and Gatti need to be evaluated for their fitness levels.

“Openda is going to start upfront. If I give him space, he should be able to sort out this difficulty he has in scoring goals. I am curious to see how this team fares without that anxiety of needing a result at all costs.

“We are in the best possible situation, in the Champions League without feeling the pressure of three obligatory points. I’ll make a few changes, yes, but I still want to see a high level of performance.”

Spalletti was spotted on camera giving Openda a little pat on the cheek to ‘wake him up’ before he came on as a substitute against Napoli, a gesture that prompted mixed reactions.

“It’s not the meaning of the words, but the rapport you have with the players that allows you at times to express yourself in a more decisive fashion,” explained the coach.

“It might be interpreted differently from the outside, but internally this is our way of doing things on a daily basis. He is a player with certain characteristics and qualities that are clear for all to see.

“He has this nice boy persona that in my view limits him a little bit. He feels the pressure, many things get to him, he struggles to relax into the game.

“I think, giving him the right space, sooner or later he will resolve those difficulties that he has. And tomorrow might be the time he gets that space.”

Quite aside from the Champions League, Spalletti was also pressed on the controversy with coach Antonio Conte, who he angered when referring to Napoli as ‘former champions of Italy.’

“I thought it was AI, then I realised it was real. I had hoped you would ask me different things in a Champions League press conference,” laughed Spalletti.

He sent his response via Instagram with a video this evening instead.