Locatelli & Spalletti: We want to build and improve on last season | OneFootball

The Men’s First Team return to pre-season action against Chelsea on Wednesday, having had a couple of days to acclimatise in Hong Kong, China.


Ahead of the game, coach Luciano Spalletti and Manuel Locatelli spoke.

Below is what they had to say at Tuesday’s press conference.

MANUEL LOCATELLI

“We feel good, we’re ready and we know that tomorrow will be a serious test. We’re a united group, we’re happy with the new players - they’re really top-tier players - and they’ve got the ability to raise everybody’s level. The collective strength remains our biggest asset. 

“Wearing the captain’s armband of Juventus is a huge responsibility, but above all an enormous privilege for me, having arrived here at a young age.



“The end of last season left a real bitter taste because we didn’t achieve the goals we had set for ourselves. We didn’t do enough, and we have to remember that in each training session now. This awareness has to be turned into out biggest motivation for do more; we need to look ahead and work hard. When you wear this shirt, every competition becomes an objective. We’re not hiding our disappointment with missing out on the Champions League, but the Europa League is an important competition. We have to work with serenity and focus on one game at a time.”

LUCIANO SPALLETTI

“I’m often asked about tactics, but football is a matter of collective attitude and team spirit. A game is like an empty box to be filled with different things, and focusing on adding just one of those things won’t make a difference. We play as a team of 11, and our performances depend on how much each player gives to the group.

“Our aim is to build on the positives we showed last season. We showed more than once that we can play good, modern and productive football. This new project starts from there, with ambition to always add something else and, above all, to eliminate those lulls that cost us results. We need to take another step forward.

“I expect a tough challenge. Chelsea are a top team, led by a talented coach who has an impressive playing career behind him and knows the sport inside out. In their recent matches, they’ve shown the quality and depth of their squad. It’ll be a real test for us, but it’s precisely these games wherein we show our worth. The season is just around the corner, we can’t afford to ease into our rhythm gradually. We have to start strong and measure up to Europe’s best sides.”

Gallery | Training at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground