Spalletti criticises Francisco Conceição after substitution
Spalletti called on Conceição to direct his anger at himself after the winger kicked the substitutes’ bench and argued with staff following a substitution.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti criticized winger Francisco Conceição after the player’s reaction to being substituted in the club’s 2:1 Europa League win over Celta in the second group stage round. Conceição kicked the substitutes’ bench several times as he left the pitch and then exchanged words with a member of the coaching staff.
Spalletti urged the player to be self-critical
Spalletti did not hide his disapproval and called on the 23-year-old to direct any frustration inward rather than at the team. "It would be more useful for him to direct that anger towards himself, and if that's not the case, we can talk about it later. If he has something to say, let him address the criticisms to himself and to his own game. Besides, he was substituted around the 70th minute, and in a few days we have another match. If he really showed such an attitude, although people from my coaching staff claim otherwise, let him explain his stance to us and we will clarify the situation," Spalletti said.
Conceição started for the Turin side and played 64 minutes on the field but was unable to produce a decisive action. From the beginning of the season the Portuguese has featured in eight matches for the club across all competitions, recording one goal and one assist.
Juventus secured a dramatic 2:1 victory over Celta thanks to a winning goal scored in the second minute of stoppage time.
Spalletti’s remarks underline growing expectations on young players at Juventus to control emotional reactions and prioritise the team’s needs as the calendar brings more fixtures in quick succession.
Photo: JuventusFC (X)
