Spalletti: Juventus need ‘more time’ for new system

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is delighted by the players’ availability, but insists he’ll need ‘more time’ to work on a four-man defence.

Juventus return to the pitch after the international break on Saturday, visiting Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi.

Spalletti previewed the game at a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

“We have worked, but I didn’t have many players available. With those who were there, we focused on things that I believe are important,” Spalletti said via Ilbianconero.com.

“Yesterday, I looked at something new with the entire team; they were focused and showed availability. Somebody came from a 10-hour flight, but still wanted to be there. We had to be cautious with some of them; somebody worked separately, but today everyone is available.”

Juventus have earned one win and two draws under Spalletti, and tomorrow they visit a team that is still looking for its first league win.

“We have quality, and we have to start from here,” argued Spalletti.

“We should not be affected by bad moments because we might doubt our quality, and we must use it in certain moments of the game. It’s a work on the team as a unit: what to do at which moment of the game. It’s hard to do, and we are working mostly on this.”

Teun Koopmeiners has played three games as a left defender in a three-man back-line, but tomorrow he could be given a chance as a central midfielder.

“Generally, it’s the role that changes a top player. A top player brings his style everywhere,” said Spalletti.

“He has proved that he can adapt to that situation, and a modern footballer knows how to do it. I’m happy he reacted positively because it was not guaranteed. He has given his contribution in terms of experience and personality. We have recovered strong defenders like Kelly and Cabal, so there could be a chance to use him in midfield.”

Safe to say Spalletti doesn’t expect a warm reception at the Stadio Franchi, especially as the Juventus coach.

“I know the environment well because I’ve spent many years there. I’ll accept every situation because I’ve been there already,” he said.

“I’ll enter the field as the Juventus coach and will accept everything. Out of love for this sport, we must show the best of us, not the worst. I’ve always respected everyone. I’m serene in being the Juventus coach also in the Fiorentina stadium, and I expect a great game from my players. It will be a tough game for us.”

Spalletti said after a 0-0 draw against Torino before the break that he would work on a different system with his players, possibly using a four-man defence, but the Tuscan feels it’s still too early for a tactical switch.

“We have mentioned it, and we will necessarily have to evaluate it, but we need more time,” he admitted.

“We didn’t train much together, and for this option, you need defenders available and alternatives.”

There are reports that Juventus have put contract talks with Kenan Yildiz on hold, but Spalletti didn’t want to speak about the Turkish star’s future in Turin.

“I won’t discuss the renewal thing, is not up to me. I look at it, but the club knows what to do,” he said.

“To me, it’s easy with Yildiz, he’s the one who breaks the systems and patterns. Whoever links up with Yildiz links up with the rest of the team. He knows how to stay in the team and he has leadership skills, so it’s the best for me.”