Juventus manager Massimiliano Spalletti has stated the current squad requires significant strengthening, despite recent arrivals, as the club prepares for a pre-season friendly against Basel. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, Spalletti emphasized the need for improvements across the team if Juventus are to challenge for Serie A title contention.
The former Napoli coach acknowledged the team’s shortcomings from the previous season, stating they “didn’t get it wrong” but must improve consistency. He indicated that player sales may be necessary following last season’s results, but the club is prepared to ensure a complete squad remains. Spalletti also expressed confidence in the new sporting directors, Giovanni Massara and Cristiano Carnevali, praising their capabilities and anticipating their success in reshaping the team.
Juventus have already added forward Emmanuel Ekhator and right-back Kaan Celik to the squad this summer. Spalletti described Celik as a “reliable” player with a “warrior’s character” and believes Ekhator possesses the qualities of a modern number nine. He also provided an update on Kenan Yıldız, stating the young player is in good condition and will rejoin the group after a period of rest.
Regarding striker Dušan Vlahović, Spalletti stated he had done all he could within his remit, deferring to the club’s directors on financial valuations. He confirmed limited recent communication with Vlahović but reiterated his positive assessment of the player. Spalletti also noted that Marcus Thuram is progressing well in his recovery. The manager highlighted the opportunity for players with different experiences to prove their worth, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation.
Spalletti acknowledged the club is analyzing the previous campaign to understand where improvements are needed, with a clear objective to return to Champions League competition and challenge for a top spot in Serie A. However, he tempered expectations, stating a Scudetto challenge is currently “quite distant.” He reiterated his commitment to improving his own coaching performance and working with the club to address the identified weaknesses. The manager also took a moment to express condolences to Silvio Baldini on the loss of his wife, Valentina.
