Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti said at the pre-match press conference for the first leg of the Europa League against NEC that accepting pressure is a good remedy to learn how to live, and confirmed that McKennie will play in the match.

Speaking about expectations for the match, Spalletti said: "Schreuder has the courage to implement his philosophy in a country with developed football. He left behind a distinctive tactical philosophy and won championships in a very competitive third-division league. We must expect them to present a unique game plan both in concept and in quality. We must be prepared for it, otherwise we could be greatly surprised. His team scores an average of two goals per match, which fully illustrates his style of football. Furthermore, he has solid players like Tadic, who play with inverted feet, precisely to seek inside cuts and shots. We must maintain a high level of concentration and be ready at all times. If we are not well prepared, it could turn into a difficult night."

When asked how he analyzes the loss to Sassuolo calmly, Spalletti replied: "We are focused, clear-headed, and aware that we must improve. We have clearly identified what we want to do and the areas that need correction. From a team perspective, we must be more compact to cut off certain passing lines of the opponent, and we must know when to press high and when to tighten up and wait for the opponent to make mistakes. That is the direction of correction I want to illustrate, although the reason for the defeat is not entirely due to overall tactics. These days, the difference lies in how you interpret the situation on the pitch. Tomorrow, the psychological rhythm will be the decisive factor."

Regarding the pressure he feels, Spalletti emphasized: "Accepting pressure is a good remedy to learn how to live. I understood this a few days after my arrival, because I had to support my family at that time. So, if you think about it, can all this bother me now? I have already dealt with too many things. I cherish my profession greatly, so I don't care about remarks after a defeat, because they are beyond my control. It is up to me to decide what is important and what can be ignored, and in this matter, I choose not to give them space."

As for the starting lineup, Spalletti remained evasive: "I will say nothing about the lineup. I cannot help you."

When asked if he was surprised by certain criticism, he replied: "When you forget who you are, you forget all these words. If you start listening to what others tell you, you lose your identity and forget everything you have experienced. You start worrying about the looks that cross yours, the so-called friendships, or the difficulties that others want to create for you. This is absolutely not permitted. You must be real, alive, and sincere about the things that surround you and the emotions you feel. You cannot be understood by everyone; it is enough to do what you think is good for the club and the team."

Regarding the team's ability to accept pressure, Spalletti stated: "Many teams are told they must win. So obviously, being prepared is the only language that proves we are Juventus players. It is also the only language that explains to everyone that we deserve Juventus' level. We are ready."

In response to whether he expects the team to improve in terms of personality, Spalletti analyzed: "The pace of the game has become too fast, and there are too many variables. Individual decisions by players have become too important. That's how it is; I must anticipate situations and manage them myself. We are not looking for a correct interpretation, but rather to manage the current situation. The pace of the game brings more and more surprising and unexpected variables. Sometimes your brain simply cannot keep up. Nobody from outside can help us; we must react ourselves on the pitch. Understanding this and hitting a wall like we did allows you to gain useful knowledge for the future. It gives you a real and accurate understanding of where football is headed. The new refereeing rules now protect the spectacle, but this actually encourages confrontation, collisions, and seeking physical contact, leading to individual problems if you commit a foul near the sideline. If you cannot resist it, you will be pushed off the pitch. Now you cannot exaggerate fouls. The game has become more fluid, and those who like to play clever tricks are somewhat caught in the act. These rules protect the spectacle of the game and free up football."

Regarding Carnevali's comments and rumors around Conte, Spalletti replied: "Carnevali is a football man, experienced and consistent in his actions. He knows very well what he must do and must convey that calm so the team can work peacefully. That is the only way out. I perhaps do not deserve the slight praise he gives me, but I will not let him down; I will become what he expects. Out of respect for him, I will not let him down. As for the supporters? Everyone has the right to support whoever they want, and that's how it should be. You think about Conte, you mentioned him twice. Everyone has their own aspirations, and I, Luciano Spalletti, also have my own aspirations. I have a solid team, with the same standards and convictions as at the beginning. It is within reach. Even though we had the worst start to a season in nearly five years, we could have won the match against Sassuolo; we just needed to fix certain things."

Regarding the controversies that have emerged after just four matchdays, Spalletti appeared calm: "This is normal. Two coaches have been changed after four matchdays, and this doesn't surprise me, nor does the gossip here. We must realize that we have an urgent task. Not only to win this match, but we must show that we are Juventus. All of this is part of our situation. We must prove that we did it, that we deserve this position and that we can stay here. As long as we are given time and space, the only place we must put our energy is on the pitch. I am not interested in those who talk about me because they don't know me; they only target certain things to shoot at. There are professionals here, sharpshooters, and social media. Everyone can take their phone and say what they want, pouring their weaknesses on others. Think about it, how could I agree with the opinions of others? I have lived through similar situations two or three times in my career."

Regarding the situations of McKennie and Cambiaso, Spalletti clearly stated: "They are part of our evaluation. We must be careful about the players who will be on the pitch because we have two or three players who may not be able to play the entire match. I have too many reasons to want McKennie to play tomorrow. McKennie will play tomorrow. Sorry, I couldn't give you a definitive answer before."

Finally, regarding Koopmeiners, Spalletti said: "Not all season. Koopmeiners is very appreciated here, and we always expect to see him display the level that we all know very well. In a match, there are always individual decisions to make. It is his responsibility to show us the important decisions he makes. We all know that as an international player, he possesses these clear and strong intentions. I have no doubt he will show me important things during the match—no, not just the match, but already in training. Because we need to see these things from Koopmeiners."

Traduit par IA.

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