Luciano Spalletti, the head coach of Juventus, has provided insights into why Kenan Yildiz will not be starting against Milan and has highlighted the positive development in Jonathan David’s relationships with his teammates.
The significant match against Milan is scheduled to begin at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST) at San Siro.
This encounter represents a crucial juncture in Juventus’s season. A victory would see them draw level with Milan in third place in the standings. Conversely, a defeat could allow Como and Roma to narrow the gap on Juventus in fourth position.
Spalletti Explains Juventus’s Team Decisions
Addressing the atmosphere at the packed San Siro, Spalletti told DAZN Italia, “It’s a wonderful atmosphere, there are sentiments all over the place. It’s natural for the fans to push us on with their enthusiasm and we gladly take on that added responsibility. This evening we have to come here and prove ourselves, show what we are capable of.”
He further elaborated on the challenge posed by Milan’s playing style: “This is going to be a difficult match because Milan have this approach where you seem to be in full control and comfort, but then suddenly they are breaking through from every angle. So we would need drones hovering above to see their positions in order to be ready for their style of football.”
Regarding the squad, Kenan Yildiz is deemed fit enough only for a place on the bench. Dusan Vlahovic is set to return to the squad following a muscular issue, though the season is unfortunately over for Juan Cabal and Arek Milik.
“Yildiz is fine, he needs a recovery process so is unable to train on the pitch, he has to train in a different way. He only returned to training with us for the final session, so out of respect for the team and also in agreement with Yildiz, it is better to start with those players who had a full week of preparation,” Spalletti explained. “However, he is ready to give his contribution off the bench when needed.”
Jonathan David, who recently ended his goal drought against Bologna, will lead the attack, supported by Jeremie Boga and Francisco Conceicao on the wings.
Spalletti commented on David’s progress: “David is improving, especially in terms of relationships. Too often in football we talk about reading the spaces and movements, but not enough about how to fit into a group. The players all love him, he loves them, and when you have that connection between players, the ball moves faster and the game gets louder.”
Previously, there had been much discussion about David’s perceived lack of rapport with his Juventus teammates, which had been lightheartedly attributed to his seafood pasta preferences.
