Spalletti: ‘Juventus lack character at times, but I don’t blame players’

Luciano Spalletti admits to ‘some clashes’ with Juventus CEO Damien Comolli and a lack of ‘character’ in his team, but will not ‘pin the blame on the players.’

The Derby della Mole kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

Even a victory probably won’t be enough to guarantee a Champions League place, because Roma and Milan are in front going into the final weekend of the season.

They had been in the strongest position until a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina, which raised big questions over the future of the whole squad and their coach.

“I expect a performance that is worthy of Juventus, of the importance of this game, and a reaction from the team,” said Spalletti in his press conference.

Kenan Yildiz is not available due to a muscular issue, but Khephren Thuram does return to the squad.

While the Bianconeri had been doing so well in recent months, they have crumbled in the last couple of weeks, and seem to be lacking character.

“It is fair to say we have not been as dominant as we were, the regrets are not around failing to win games when creating many scoring opportunities, they are around not being ourselves.

“I take my share of the responsibility, I’ve always been convinced that I spoke to the players as men, treating them like men. I feel that motivating the hearts and minds of men makes them step above their capabilities.

“If I go into an important game and the team plays like that, clearly the first person I look to for blame is myself. Then I try to draw other conclusions about issues of character. It’s all about character,” continued Spalletti.

“We were disappointed, but not irritable this week, so we analysed everything. I read reports that the locker room is split, but things cannot change so dramatically because of one game.”

If the previous two Juventus coaches were critical of the attitude of their squad, it cannot just be about the tactician, but an endemic problem.

“I do not shirk my own disappointment and lay it at the feet of the players, I take my own responsibility,” insisted Spalletti.

“I am the first to criticise myself, but I can also say that character makes the difference, because you need it in pressure situations that are difficult to control. Character shows if you are a protagonist or not.

“It’s not just about survival instinct, but how you deal with the moments when nobody is watching you, that is where you find your identity and character.

“This is where we as a team need to take a big step forward. I don’t know what the previous coaches have done, but I won’t come here to criticise my players, I’ve never done that. I respect and care for them, I recognise the good things they’ve done this season too.”

Spalletti said in the press conference that it “never crossed my mind” to resign, but the reports maintain CEO Damien Comolli is on the chopping block.