Spalletti urges ‘sloppy’ Juventus defender to improve, explains difference between David & Openda | OneFootball

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti wants to see further improvement from Juan Cabal, despite his decisive contribution against Bologna.

The Bianconeri secured a vital away victory at the Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday, edging past their visitors by a single goal.

The Turin-based giants had the bulk of the chances, while Michele Di Gregorio did well to deny Nadir Zortea’s shot with a fingertip save that deflected the ball towards the crossbar.

Luciano Spalletti wants Juan Cabal improvements

After the contest, Spalletti felt that this is a result that Juventus could build upon, insisting that the team has also been showing promising signs in training.

“I’ve said it many times, it becomes difficult if you don’t get a result and don’t improve, but I already saw good things in training,” said the 66-year-old in his post-match interview with DAZN via IlBianconero.

“I also told the management as much. I found everyone energetic and responsive. We needed a performance that would inspire calm. I hope we can go beyond this level and start replicating ourselves, regardless of the goal and the chances.

“Juventus were at the heart of the game for 90 minutes. We  fought, we won duels, which could be a good omen.”

The match was decided by Cabal, who received a sublime cross from Kenan Yildiz and headed it home.  The Colombian also had other exploits, setting up Lois Openda on a couple of occasions.

Luciano Spalletti and Juan Cabal (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Spalletti still encouraged the former Hellas Verona wing-back to improve this game, especially after some underwhelming displays in recent weeks.

“Cabal has to learn to control his emotions. He’s a powerhouse because he’s got legs, strength, a hundred metres in those legs. He has the talent to repeat actions, and he’s strong physically, mentally tough too.

“But in the matches he’s played so far, he’s been a bit ‘scrappy’, so I gave him a bit of a hard time about it.”

Spalletti opens up on Juventus striking duo

Like Cabal, Openda made a positive impact, as his physicality and pace forced Torbjorn Heggem to commit a foul that left Bologna a man down.

Spalletti commended the Belgian for his attributes, while explaining how he differs from fellow summer signing Jonathan David.

“They’re different players. David is someone who connects the play; he almost seems more like a second striker at times.

“On the other hand, Cabal is more powerful, has more strength, and is probably more comfortable against teams like Bologna, where he can launch on 60-meter sprints. He has exceptional speed and pure power, so he has the advantage in this sort of game.”