LECE, ITALY – MAY 9: Juventus FC coach Luciano Spalletti smiles during the Serie A match between USA Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 9, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Manager Luciano Spalletti has warned that Juventus are “quite far” from being Scudetto contenders, but that they are working on their “shortcomings” and welcome Zeki Celik. “This showed that the club is strong.”
The Bianconeri begin their pre-season with an away friendly test against FC Basel on Saturday afternoon.
It has been a frustrating few weeks for the club, who missed out on Champions League qualification and spent much of the summer in long negotiations to sign players such as Randal Kolo Muani and Emiliano Martinez.
This morning they at least acquired another reinforcement, securing Zeki Selik as a free agent, who looked set to sign a new contract with Roma.
Spalletti sets goals for Juventus
“We have seen that the team is aware of what they did not achieve last season, but equally aware of their abilities and what they can do this term,” Spalletti said in a press conference.
“There were some high-quality performances to make us believe in that, but at the same time there were also some sub-par performances and we need to address those deficiencies.
“I also think that I could have done better and we all know that something needs to be done differently. It’s been a tough summer because the outcome affects everything, including my personal life.
“We are on the right track, but we cannot leave Juventus behind, so we have to pick up the pace.”
It is probably no coincidence that some of Juve’s last managers, including Spalletti, complained about a lack of mentality and leadership within the team.
“We have to do better than we have in the past, because good examples need supporting evidence, so we try to show that it’s not just words,” Spalletti continued.
“Our team needs to be strengthened and in some cases completed. We all know that. We have to do a thorough job on this team, but the timing may be difficult because of the World Cup. It’s good to get the players here as soon as possible.”
The coach took over from Igor Tudor midway through the season, replacing Thiago Motta who was sacked the year before, so stability is an issue for the old lady.
“Last season we didn’t get the results, but we also achieved very good results, so it’s not a season to throw away. We have to maintain the same level of mentality, performance and quality until the end.”
“I’m sure if we work in the right way we can compete for a place in the Champions League. We want to challenge for the top spot, to qualify for the Champions League, but when we talk about the Scudetto, we are quite far from that goal.”
There are reports that Kefren Thuram is on sale, while others say his future at Juventus depends on the condition of his knee.
“At the moment he is improving on the difficulties of last season, but it is a process.”
In terms of reinforcements, Juventus are reportedly prioritizing a goalkeeper and centre-forward to replace free agent Dusan Vlahovic.
Spalletti added: “We have work to do, but I’m confident we can get it done. Our hope is to fill the gaps in this team that are missing players. We are all aligned on the direction we need to take.”
“I have done the job of evaluating Vlahovic and his technical qualities, but financial discussions are outside of my jurisdiction. I haven’t spoken to him since the end of the season, but he knows what I think. Our managers always have the door open.”
Juventus have already brought in two surprising additions in free agent Zeki Selik from Roma and Genoa striker Jeff Hector.
“Celik is a player with a warrior’s attitude and is definitely reliable. It was a good idea for Juventus to sign him. He has a lot of experience and will adapt quickly. It showed that the club is strong, because sometimes it can surprise you,” the coach continued.
“Ecatl has strong potential, so it was a good move for the club and the manager to bring him here, because he has the characteristics of a complete striker. Of course he needs time, he is still a diamond in the rough, but he is so fired up that he stays late after training.”
Did Spalletti receive any guarantees from the Juventus manager regarding team building?
“I’ve always had a good relationship with the managers I’ve worked with during my career. I had a different perspective than some, but we’re talking about players and not other managers.
“I have absolute faith in the managers. We need to complete the team to have ambitions.”
post navigation
