Luciano Spalletti addressed the ‘tension’ experienced with Juventus supporters during tonight’s 2-0 victory against Benfica and highlighted the areas where his squad needs improvement, stating, ‘Our radar must always be on alert.’
The Bianconeri faced challenges in breaking down Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in Turin, eventually relying on midfielders Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie to find the breakthrough.
They were also thankful for the condition of the Allianz Juventus Stadium pitch, as it played a part in Vangelis Pavlidis slipping during a penalty that could have shifted the match’s momentum.
Spalletti satisfied with Juventus win, yet seeking growth
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Khephren Thuram of Juventus greets teammate Pierre Kalulu after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Sometimes, I worry that we might not be able to deliver, but that’s just my nature,” Spalletti shared with Amazon Prime Video Italia amidst some frustration directed at the fans.
“This was a crucial match, and if we don’t secure these results, tension will mount. We started strong, but then we sat too deep, losing possession too easily, which added unnecessary pressure on us.”
Spalletti introduced Francisco Conceicao for Fabio Miretti after the break, which yielded positive results.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus faces Amar Dedic of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“We struggled a bit at the start of the second half, but then we returned to our game. Both Benfica and we created chances in the first half, particularly with Miretti and McKennie. It was a close match; if they had scored that late penalty, the finale could have been quite tense. We need to be cautious about unnecessary fouls,” he noted.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 2-0 Benfica
Having taken the helm of Juventus mid-season from Igor Tudor, Spalletti has implemented numerous changes, yet he acknowledges areas that still require enhancement.
“I would like to see a quicker response and anticipation of the opponent’s counterattacks, as that intensity is crucial in modern football. Our radar needs to be consistently on point; we lost the ball far too often due to hasty and uneven passing.”
“Benfica attempted to capitalize on our mistakes, and these are aspects we must adapt to if we aspire to compete at a higher level. However, I’ve noticed significant progress,” he affirmed.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Juventus players pose for a team photo ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Jonathan David played as the center forward but squandered a clear chance with a weak header. “David has the ability to play good football,” said Spalletti. “He might lack the necessary determination; for him, every game feels the same, and while he has a pleasant demeanor, perhaps he needs more experience to become more assertive. This is an area for growth.
“Besides scoring, players need to contribute in other ways, or it puts additional pressure on our defense,” he added. “Kenan Yildiz stands out as the ‘alien’ of the team, excelling in ways that not everyone can, but his defensive responsibilities differ from McKennie’s. It’s no longer enough to have specialized skills; players must be well-rounded and support the team.”
“David, like Openda, must also work on ball retention and contribute to the team’s efforts.”
This victory places Juventus at 12 points in the Champions League standings, currently in 15th position, ahead of their final match against Paul Pogba’s AS Monaco. They have effectively secured a playoff berth but are aiming for a top seed in the draw.