Luciano Spalletti has admitted he is unsure whether Juventus players are still behind him as the club struggles with poor results and growing tensions within the squad. Despite the mounting pressure, the club’s current position is to continue backing the coach, while Antonio Conte remains a potential option should a change become necessary.
Juventus are facing another period of instability, with their performances deteriorating and questions growing over the team’s direction under Spalletti. The Italian is the club’s sixth coach in eight years, excluding interim appointments, but the problems that have affected previous regimes are once again emerging.
The team’s playing style has become increasingly disjointed, while a fragile league position has added to the pressure. Concerns have also grown over the players’ response to setbacks, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario taking the lead in calling his team-mates towards the supporters after a recent match, despite neither being captain nor vice-captain.
The club continues to back Spalletti for now, with no successor formally approached. However, the responsibility for stabilising the situation is increasingly falling on chief executive Giovanni Carnevali and technical director Frederic Massara, who face the task of rebuilding the team after the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League.
Spalletti questions players’ commitment
Spalletti acknowledged the seriousness of the situation after the latest setback, admitting he was no longer certain that the squad remained fully behind him.
“Would I have said yes before the match? Yes. Now I don’t know,” he said, before adding that he believed the players were still with him but needed to reconsider his own approach.
His comments highlighted a growing disconnect between the coach and his players. Juventus had previously shown signs of a coherent playing identity even when results were disappointing, but that consistency has increasingly disappeared.
Tensions have also surfaced publicly. Defender Bremer and Spalletti exchanged pointed remarks over responsibility for defeats, while Francisco Conceição reacted angrily to being substituted during the match in Vigo.
Andrea Cambiaso’s situation has added to the uncertainty. Previously praised by Spalletti as a modern player capable of offering multiple tactical options, the defender has reportedly fallen out of favour with the coach.
Conte remains a potential alternative
Juventus’ record under Spalletti has intensified scrutiny. The team have collected 65 points from a possible 108, averaging 1.81 points per match. That compares with averages of 1.79 under Thiago Motta and 1.76 under Igor Tudor.
Although the club’s immediate intention is to give Spalletti more time, alternative options are already part of the wider discussion. Stefano Pioli has emerged as a possible candidate, while Antonio Conte remains the preferred dream appointment for many supporters.
According to people familiar with Conte’s thinking, the Napoli coach could consider returning to Turin even during the season if the opportunity arose.
For now, Juventus are sticking with Spalletti, but results will determine how long that backing lasts. With performances deteriorating and tensions within the squad becoming increasingly visible, the club faces a critical period in its attempt to restore stability.
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