Spalletti: ‘Juventus lack character at times, but I don’t blame players’ | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti admits to ‘some clashes’ with Juventus CEO Damien Comolli and a lack of ‘character’ in his team, but will not ‘pin the blame on the players.’

The Derby della Mole kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

Even a victory probably won’t be enough to guarantee a Champions League place, because Roma and Milan are in front going into the final weekend of the season.

They had been in the strongest position until a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina, which raised big questions over the future of the whole squad and their coach.

Spalletti wants Juventus reaction

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

“I expect a performance that is worthy of Juventus, of the importance of this game, and a reaction from the team,” said Spalletti in his press conference.

Kenan Yildiz is not available due to a muscular issue, but Khephren Thuram does return to the squad.

While the Bianconeri had been doing so well in recent months, they have crumbled in the last couple of weeks, and seem to be lacking character.

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“It is fair to say we have not been as dominant as we were, the regrets are not around failing to win games when creating many scoring opportunities, they are around not being ourselves.

“I take my share of the responsibility, I’ve always been convinced that I spoke to the players as men, treating them like men. I feel that motivating the hearts and minds of men makes them step above their capabilities.

“If I go into an important game and the team plays like that, clearly the first person I look to for blame is myself. Then I try to draw other conclusions about issues of character. It’s all about character,” continued Spalletti.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 17: Players of Juventus FC face the fans after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

“We were disappointed, but not irritable this week, so we analysed everything. I read reports that the locker room is split, but things cannot change so dramatically because of one game.”

If the previous two Juventus coaches were critical of the attitude of their squad, it cannot just be about the tactician, but an endemic problem.

“I do not shirk my own disappointment and lay it at the feet of the players, I take my own responsibility,” insisted Spalletti.

“I am the first to criticise myself, but I can also say that character makes the difference, because you need it in pressure situations that are difficult to control. Character shows if you are a protagonist or not.

“It’s not just about survival instinct, but how you deal with the moments when nobody is watching you, that is where you find your identity and character.

“This is where we as a team need to take a big step forward. I don’t know what the previous coaches have done, but I won’t come here to criticise my players, I’ve never done that. I respect and care for them, I recognise the good things they’ve done this season too.”

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Spalletti said in the press conference that it “never crossed my mind” to resign, but the reports maintain CEO Damien Comolli is on the chopping block.

“Don’t expect changes, because there won’t be any. I am honest that I’m disappointed when the team doesn’t do what I’d like, but I have every intention of continuing with the club. I have faith in the club and the club has faith in me.

“We are disappointed at not winning games, but also motivated to create a quality team that can make its fans feel protected and proud.”

What is his rapport with Comolli?

“Our rapport is simple, we talk the way we did today at lunch, or two days ago in my office. Clearly, the rapport between Comolli and me becomes fundamental because I want to participate in creating the future team, so we each give our points of view to build a stronger side.

“The rapport is fine, at times there can be clashes because we each have our own opinions, but always based on building a stronger team.”

Spalletti took the Juventus job mid-season after Igor Tudor was sacked, and insists “it was the right decision.”