Spalletti: ‘Juventus are strong, always expect something different from Mourinho’ | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti believes that Juventus are a ‘strong’ Champions League outfit, has discussed his future with the Bianconeri and has explained what to expect from Jose Mourinho and Benfica when they go head-to-head at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night.

Juventus are in 17th place in the Champions League table ahead of kick-off, with nine points to their name from their first six matches of 2025-26. Benfica are in 26th with six points, and need to make up ground if they are to qualify for the knock-out rounds.

Spalletti on Juventus vs. Benfica, Mourinho and contract situation

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Luciano Spalletti coach of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

At the beginning of Spalletti’s pre-match press conference, reporters asked what he expects to see when Juventus go up against Benfica on Wednesday night.

He said: “When you play against a team like Benfica, you’re not just playing any old team, but a piece of footballing history, an identity. Portuguese teams suck you into their rhythm and often it’s too late to realise it. I expect the players to be ready and to be able to express themselves with their own qualities.”

Spalletti was asked about his relationship with Mourinho, to which he replied: “When we first spoke at the start he’d say more than me, he always wins in that respect.

“We respect each other, appreciate one another and have spoken on the phone. It will be a pleasure to face him. The volume is always turned up a notch when Mourinho is involved, and for me, to be in the other dugout will be a source of pride.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

“You always expect something different with Mourinho. It’s a direct clash and I expect Benfica to be aggressive. They will come to play the game. I’m convinced it will be a good game.”

There were, of course, questions asked about potential incomings in the January transfer window, but Spalletti is keeping tight-lipped for now.

“Ottolini is in the office next door to mine, it’s only at night time we don’t see each other. Comolli was also present at training this morning, and these are all questions to be addressed to them. I do a different job. I accepted this Juuve side and I don’t expect anything.

“My thinking has always been to move forwards with calmness and consistency with the confidence that we can go and fight to achieve our goals with the players I found when I first came here.

“Obviously, injuries can make you think differently, but I’m happy with the players I have available.”

Spalletti was asked what he expects to see from his Juventus side against Benfica on Wednesday.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates his team’s third goal, scored by Jonathan David during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

He replied: “I expect to see the same things I see every day, they enjoy developing in training and I enjoy watching them.

“Portuguese teams are all quite similar, Sporting has something similar to Benfica and if you don’t make the right decisions, you risk being trapped and the game will resemble the one against Sporting.

“We are strong and we have a precise idea of how to play the game. The spotlight is more intense in Champions League matches and we hope to be worthy of that spotlight.”

And when asked what Benfica’s strengths are, Spalletti said: “It’s a team that can play against anyone. I have to use all my focus on what my team has to do. Their qualities involve keeping the ball on the ground and keeping a very high tempo. Portuguese football is one that everyone has always liked, because you have to make the ball travel as quickly as possible.”

Spalletti was also asked if he would be prepared to sign on as Juventus head coach on a longer-term contract with things as they are today.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

He replied: “I’m not ready for anything and Juventus isn’t ready for anything either. We will resolve this in the last week of our partnership. I’ve done nothing to deserve what you want me to say.

“In football, minds change quickly. Juve has always had very strong coaches and they will find just as many in the future. If I want to continue coaching, I hope to be one of them. Evaluations are pushed to one side for now. We will come here and say it together in the final week.”