Spalletti Defends Juventus: Alkmaar Win Proves Quality, Not a Weak Opponent
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- Luciano Spalletti menegaskan kemenangan 2-1 Juventus atas AZ Alkmaar bukan karena lawan lemah, melainkan hasil performa penuh keberanian.
- Pelatih asal Italia itu menyoroti pentingnya memberi kredit kepada tim yang menang tanpa selalu mencari alasan untuk menekan.
- Juventus kini bersiap untuk laga sulit di markas Fiorentina akhir pekan ini, dengan Spalletti menyoroti masalah pengambilan keputusan di lini belakang.
Luciano Spalletti did not stay silent amid the narrative that emerged after Juventus beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the Europa League. The 66-year-old coach believes his team's wins are often reduced to mere luck because the opponent is deemed weak, when in his view the Bianconeri played with quality and courage.
The win at AZ's home ground in the early hours of Thursday (6/3/2025) WIB did not come easily. The hosts had an impressive record: unbeaten in 17 European home matches since October 2023. Juventus also arrived with a squad depleted by an injury storm. However, two quick goals through the combination of Randal Kolo Muani and Teun Koopmeiners—plus Kolo Muani's second goal—put Juve 2-0 up before AZ pulled one back through Mexx Meerdink.
Spalletti used the press conference to take a swipe at those who belittle his team's achievement. He recalled the 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen in the Europa League league phase, which some observers dismissed at the time. “I remember when everyone laughed at me when we beat NEC 5-0, you acted as if they were a ridiculous team. Now NEC have seven points in the Europa League,” he told Sky Sport Italia, as quoted by Football Italia.
According to Spalletti, it is time for the Italian football public to change how they view Juventus. “Maybe people need to re-evaluate how they see us, with humility, and give the team credit without constantly piling on pressure,” he said. He added that the win over AZ was the result of a strong performance against a great team, not because of the opponent's weakness.
Despite being satisfied with the result, Spalletti highlighted another side of his team's play. He felt Juventus should have scored a third goal to seal the win instead of being put under pressure late in the match. “What we needed was to score the third goal. With the way we play, we had to score the third goal there. When you win away against a team that has not lost in 17 European home matches, that is a sign you are playing with authority and quality. We showed the right courage,” he explained.
Spalletti also highlighted the fine performance of AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser, who he said was an example for Italian football. “In Italy many say a goalkeeper only needs to make saves, but when he can play with his feet like this, he neutralizes all the opponent's pressing, he becomes an extra player. The goalkeeper makes the difference. Did you see the pass he made to trigger that attack?” he said.
The win is valuable capital for Juventus ahead of a tough match against Fiorentina in Serie A this weekend. Spalletti admitted he was worried about the way his team conceded, with players looking hesitant. “My concern is the way we conceded, with everyone waiting to see who will take the ball, letting others move. I keep saying that the decision not taken is the worst, even worse than a bad decision. Hesitation, waiting for the situation to develop, that is what I do not want to see,” he concluded.
With steadily improving performances, Juventus appear to be on the right track under Spalletti. However, the real challenge is maintaining consistency, especially against stronger teams. Can the Bianconeri prove that their wins are not merely a coincidence? The answer will become clear in the coming weeks.
