{"id":269706,"date":"2025-11-03T22:57:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T22:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/269706\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T22:57:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T22:57:18","slug":"fighting-to-win-is-important-vlahovic-delighted-to-stay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/269706\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Fighting to win is important, Vlahovic delighted to stay\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CREMONA,<\/p>\n

CREMONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC reacts before the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Juventus FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on November 01, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti believes that Juventus are in for a tough test against Sporting CP in the Champions League, says that \u2018fighting to win\u2019 is more important than winning itself, and adds that Dusan Vlahovic \u2018would be delighted\u2019 to stay on with the Bianconeri beyond his current contract.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The new Bianconeri head coach spoke at his pre-match press conference on Monday evening, ahead of Tuesday\u2019s Champions League match between Juventus and Sporting CP at the Allianz Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Spalletti on Juventus, Sporting CP, Yildiz and Vlahovic<\/p>\n

Spalletti got his Juventus tenure off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory against Cremonese<\/a> in Serie A over the weekend, and is now tasked with guiding Juve to their first Champions League victory of the season. The Old Lady have two points from their first three matches in the competition so far this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"CREMONA,CREMONA, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 01: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the 0-2 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Juventus FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on November 01, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a very difficult game, because they know how to play football well, and have a very precise way of doing it. They make good substitutions. They also have a lot of really good quality in the final third,\u201d Spalletti said of Sporting CP (via TMW<\/a>).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

And what does Spalletti want to see from his players against Sporting on Tuesday?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFighting to win (is what\u2019s important), not winning itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coach insists that he is not put off by the fact that he is currently only on a short-term contract unless Juventus qualify for next season\u2019s Champions League: \u201cI\u2019m always willing to do my best, and until the maths prohibits us, we have to fight to win everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

How pleased was Spalletti by the Cremonese victory over the weekend?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe victory in Cremona was thanks to the players, I didn\u2019t have much of a say in it. But I thank you for all the nice things you\u2019ve said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were attentive throughout the game. I like seeing the look in the eyes that they\u2019re giving me. It tells me about their desire and the will to do well. It\u2019s a good group from a technical and personal point of view.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"CREMONA,CREMONA, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 01: Filip Kostic of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Juventus FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on November 01, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

What does Spalletti want to see from Juventus in the Champions League moving forwards?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re lucky to play in the Champions League, it\u2019s the pinnacle of football. To do well in this competition, we have to have our own idea of what it means to be a team, and we have to protect that idea with a lot of personality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to have courage to do what we want to do. We can\u2019t have any excuses, this is football. We have to go out there and choose to do certain things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Did Spalletti have to implement any new rules when he arrived at Juventus?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re very disciplined, we didn\u2019t need to bring any order. The best rule is common sense. Rules have always been there at Juventus. I\u2019m trying to get to know the team better and give them some directions. The players have often taught me. The important thing is to have desire and to use time well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

And, on Kenan Yildiz, who missed Spalletti\u2019s Juventus debut over the weekend, the coach said: \u201cHe\u2019s available.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"TURIN,TURIN, ITALY \u2013 SEPTEMBER 16: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m lucky because I\u2019ve had some great players. Kvara had those characteristics. One who had less of a spotlight, but still had incredible talent was Toto Di Natale. Yildiz is one of those who will be on everyone\u2019s Instagram feeds at the end of the season.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA good starting point for any player is to go and ask them what they want to do and where they want to play. He wants to play those roles in the middle and coming in off the left wing. He\u2019s good as a second striker and as a winger.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Spalletti was also asked how he has found it working with Andrea Cambiaso and Dusan Vlahovic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"VILLARREAL,VILLARREAL, SPAIN \u2013 OCTOBER 01: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD2 match between Villarreal CF and Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 01, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

He replied: \u201cYou\u2019ve spoken about two really important players for our team, Cambiaso is a very modern footballer. He\u2019s a strong player who gives you lots of different solutions. He helps you bring others in.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cDusan has a slight advantage because he\u2019s used to the pressure of wearing such an important shirt. I spoke to him several times while we were training. He would be delighted to stay here. He\u2019s not worried about his contract, he only wants to play football.\u201d <\/p>\n


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