Juventus left the Europa League night with a second straight victory, but Luciano Spalletti saw more than Kolo Muani’s stoppage-time winner against Celta Vigo. The 2-1 comeback, completed after Woltemade had brought the Bianconeri level, preserved a perfect start to their European campaign. It also gave the coach a clearer view of the areas his side must sharpen as the season continues.
The coach and the club
Spalletti praised the decisive contribution of Kolo Muani, while stressing that matches are often settled by the decisions players make in their key moments. The French forward arrived late on and scored in the final minute of added time, delivering a result Juventus had pursued without losing their collective balance.
Yet the coach was not satisfied with the rhythm of Juventus’ first half. He felt Celta were repeatedly allowed enough time to reorganise, while Juventus were too slow after recovering possession. Spalletti compared the display unfavourably with the win at Cagliari, accepting that the two fixtures had different demands but arguing that his team had handled the earlier match better.
“We were slow in every phase,” Spalletti said. “Even when we had control, we did not manage the ball well, so the game kept swinging from one end to the other. But we created several chances and played to win without coming apart.”
The issue of moving the ball forward quickly was central to his assessment. Juventus did not consistently turn recoveries into direct attacks, an error he said had been shared by several players. Koopmeiners was among those discussed after the final whistle, with Spalletti suggesting that limited playing time and the feeling of being constantly judged may have affected the midfielder’s composure.
Kolo Muani’s use also prompted a tactical clarification from the coach. Spalletti said the forward had interpreted his instructions too much as those of a wide player when he should have occupied a more central position. Andrea Cambiaso had space available on the flank, but Spalletti returned to the broader point: the players’ choices had ultimately made the difference.
A difficult moment for Conceiçao
Francisco Conceiçao was substituted with around 20 minutes remaining and reacted angrily on reaching the bench, striking the seats several times. Spalletti’s response was firm rather than dramatic. He said the winger would do better to direct his frustration towards his own performance.
The coach noted that Conceiçao slipped three times early in the game, adding that the club would look into the condition of the pitch. He also pointed to the short turnaround before Juventus play again in three days, and said the player could explain his reaction if there had been another issue.
Conceiçao later rejected any suggestion of a confrontation with the staff. He said there had been no argument, explaining that he had simply hit the bench before going back to the dressing room, changing his shirt, visiting the bathroom and returning.
Woltemade sees the value of the partnership
Woltemade’s goal began Juventus’ recovery and gave the forward a welcome lift. He said scoring builds confidence for an attacker, while adding that he knows he can still improve and intends to keep pushing for a higher level.
He also spoke warmly of Kolo Muani, whose late goal was his second in successive games. Woltemade believes it becomes harder for opposing defences when they must deal with two central forwards rather than one.
Asked whether the pair should always start together, Woltemade left that decision with Spalletti. He expressed confidence in the coach and said Juventus can perform well whether the two forwards play alongside each other or separately.
For Juventus, the evening ended with six points from two Europa League fixtures. The manner of the victory offered encouragement in attack, but Spalletti’s post-match words made clear that the next chapter will depend on quicker play, cleaner transitions and greater control when possession is won.
