Juventus left Vigo with a late 2-1 victory over Celta, but Luciano Spalletti treated the result as a useful step rather than a finished performance. The coach welcomed his side’s willingness to pursue the win, while recognising that the first half had lacked the speed and connection required to control the game more convincingly.
A result secured, but not a complete display
Spalletti felt Juventus had allowed Celta too much time to recover their positions during the opening period. In his view, the visitors were slow in linking the different phases of play and did not match the dynamism shown in the earlier match at Cagliari.
- Juventus were too slow in possession during the first half, giving Celta opportunities to reorganise.
- Spalletti compared the display with Cagliari, where he believed his team had played with greater energy.
- He accepted that Juventus had created promising opportunities despite periods in which the team became stretched.
- The coach praised the players for continuing to seek victory, even if the risks taken still need to be managed with better balance.
“There were moments when we were not together as a team, that is true,” Spalletti said. “But we tried to win, and that is what I like about the players. At this stage you have to take risks to achieve more, perhaps with greater balance.”
Changes in attack and Conceicao’s reaction
Spalletti also explained his adjustments among Juventus’ forward players. He believed Randal Kolo Muani had initially occupied an outside role too readily, when Andrea Cambiaso was supposed to hold that area of the pitch.
The coach subsequently switched Kolo Muani with Nick Woltemade, with the latter beginning to tire late in the match. Spalletti considered Kolo Muani capable of making an impact in the altered position, while stressing that the players themselves ultimately decide matches through their performances.
Francisco Conceicao’s response to his substitution in the 70th minute was another subject raised after the final whistle. Spalletti said the winger would be better served directing any frustration towards his own display.
“He should be angry with himself, otherwise we can discuss it together,” Spalletti said. “If he has something to say, I think it is because he is unhappy with his performance. He came off in the 70th minute. My staff told me there was no particular behaviour, but if there was, we will deal with it.”
Koopmeiners asked to find calm again
Teun Koopmeiners was also assessed candidly by his coach after the match. Spalletti linked the midfielder’s current uncertainty to limited playing time and the sense that every appearance is being closely examined.
- Koopmeiners has not been playing regularly enough to feel fully settled.
- Spalletti believes European competition could help him rebuild confidence.
- The Juventus coach nevertheless expects a higher level than the one delivered in Vigo.
“He does not have the calm he needs at the moment because he has played little and feels under observation,” Spalletti said. “European competition can give him more confidence, but he has to improve on the performance he gave today.”
