Juventus coach Spalletti provides Vlahovic update & claims: ‘I’m willing to listen to the club’ about renewal

Luciano Spalletti held his pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus’ Serie A clash with Sassuolo, addressing a number of pressing topics including Dusan Vlahovic’s potential return, his own contract situation and the race for Champions League qualification with eight games remaining.

On Vlahovic, Spalletti was deliberately coy, directing reporters to the official squad list for confirmation.

“There are a couple of players with some discomfort to assess, we will have the final picture by tomorrow morning,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Serbian striker has been absent through injury and his return would be a timely boost for a side still pushing hard for a top-four finish.

Juventus coach Spalletti plays up renewal talks

Spalletti was more forthcoming on the subject of his own renewal, suggesting the international break provided an ideal window for productive discussions with the club.

“It seems like a correct moment, there is less stress and the necessary time,” he said. “On my part there is complete availability to hear what the club wants to say to me.”

He was careful, however, not to discuss potential signings, joking that talking about players he might want to bring in while his own contract is unsigned would make him “feel like an idiot.”

The Juventus coach also delivered a passionate defence of his squad’s motivation, dismissing any suggestion that missing the Champions League would be straightforward to absorb.

“Pressure is a privilege that belongs only to those who have a history to honour,” he said. “Our fans travelled to Bodo, overcoming all the costs and difficulties just to be there. We owe them everything.”

On the number nine debate that has followed Juventus all season, Spalletti was characteristically direct.

“It is the moment, the episodic decisions inside a game, that decides things, not a profile. We are not inferior to Galatasaray. The red cards decided that tie, not the level of football.”