Luciano Spalletti says he “didn’t understand” why Jhon Lucumí’s late winner was ruled out in Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Rennes, while insisting he expects more from Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani.
With quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Juventus coach spoke after Thursday’s Europa League game in Turin. Lucumí converted in the 88th minute after Teun Koopmeiners flicked on a free kick, but VAR ruled the defender had been offside at the moment of the flick-on.
“I didn’t understand it, and I’m going to look into it,” Spalletti said. “When I saw it in the dressing room, I was surprised and disappointed. The Rennes player could have cleared that ball and Lucumí didn’t impede him. I thought I knew this rule, but after tonight I have a lot of doubts. The referee was very good, but a little less good on this incident.”
Spalletti: ‘Woltemade and Kolo Muani can become three, not two’
It was the first time Woltemade and Kolo Muani had started together in a competitive match. The German set up Zeki Çelik’s opener and scored the equalising penalty, while Kolo Muani struggled to get involved and was replaced 10 minutes from time.
“Today they did well, but I think I can expect more from both of them, because their qualities are greater than the performance they gave tonight,” Spalletti said. “What the two of them produce isn’t just the sum of their individual qualities. They can coexist, and when they work together, they can become three, not two.”
The coach was pleased with his side’s response after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Lazio. “I’m satisfied with our attitude, because getting back into the game at a time like this was difficult. The lads accepted the difficulties, gained ground and were rewarded, even though we hadn’t made any glaring mistakes for their two goals.”
He also gave Rennes credit. “This is a good side, with quick, technical players and a strong academy. We have to show we’re better than the others, otherwise we just keep going round in circles.”
Spalletti still wants Juventus to be braver. “We have this tendency to feel comfortable sitting deep, but modern football isn’t like that any more. Gaining a few metres means choosing when to press and having the attitude of a team that wants to take control.”