Spalletti: ‘Fighting to win is important for Juventus, Vlahovic delighted to stay’

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti believes that Juventus are in for a tough test against Sporting CP in the Champions League, says that ‘fighting to win’ is more important than winning itself, and adds that Dusan Vlahovic ‘would be delighted’ to stay on with the Bianconeri beyond his current contract. 

The new Bianconeri head coach spoke at his pre-match press conference on Monday evening, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match between Juventus and Sporting CP at the Allianz Stadium. 

Spalletti got his Juventus tenure off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory against Cremonese in Serie A over the weekend, and is now tasked with guiding Juve to their first Champions League victory of the season. The Old Lady have two points from their first three matches in the competition so far this season. 

“It’s a very difficult game, because they know how to play football well, and have a very precise way of doing it. They make good substitutions. They also have a lot of really good quality in the final third,” Spalletti said of Sporting CP (via TMW).  

And what does Spalletti want to see from his players against Sporting on Tuesday? 

“Fighting to win (is what’s important), not winning itself.”

The coach insists that he is not put off by the fact that he is currently only on a short-term contract unless Juventus qualify for next season’s Champions League: “I’m always willing to do my best, and until the maths prohibits us, we have to fight to win everything.” 

How pleased was Spalletti by the Cremonese victory over the weekend? 

“The victory in Cremona was thanks to the players, I didn’t have much of a say in it. But I thank you for all the nice things you’ve said. 

“They were attentive throughout the game. I like seeing the look in the eyes that they’re giving me. It tells me about their desire and the will to do well. It’s a good group from a technical and personal point of view.” 

What does Spalletti want to see from Juventus in the Champions League moving forwards? 

“We’re lucky to play in the Champions League, it’s the pinnacle of football. To do well in this competition, we have to have our own idea of what it means to be a team, and we have to protect that idea with a lot of personality. 

“We have to have courage to do what we want to do. We can’t have any excuses, this is football. We have to go out there and choose to do certain things.”

Did Spalletti have to implement any new rules when he arrived at Juventus? 

“They’re very disciplined, we didn’t need to bring any order. The best rule is common sense. Rules have always been there at Juventus. I’m trying to get to know the team better and give them some directions. The players have often taught me. The important thing is to have desire and to use time well.” 

And, on Kenan Yildiz, who missed Spalletti’s Juventus debut over the weekend, the coach said: “He’s available. 

“I’m lucky because I’ve had some great players. Kvara had those characteristics. One who had less of a spotlight, but still had incredible talent was Toto Di Natale. Yildiz is one of those who will be on everyone’s Instagram feeds at the end of the season.” 

“A good starting point for any player is to go and ask them what they want to do and where they want to play. He wants to play those roles in the middle and coming in off the left wing. He’s good as a second striker and as a winger.” 

Spalletti was also asked how he has found it working with Andrea Cambiaso and Dusan Vlahovic. 

He replied: “You’ve spoken about two really important players for our team, Cambiaso is a very modern footballer. He’s a strong player who gives you lots of different solutions. He helps you bring others in. 

“Dusan has a slight advantage because he’s used to the pressure of wearing such an important shirt. I spoke to him several times while we were training. He would be delighted to stay here. He’s not worried about his contract, he only wants to play football.”