Spalletti: Vlahovic still out, McKennie’s Juventus extension proves one thing
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti says Dusan Vlahovic is still unavailable, but hopes to return against Udinese, while Weston McKennie’s contract extension proves the club is preparing for the future ‘properly.’
Juventus striker Vlahovic won’t be eligible for Saturday’s Serie A match against Pisa.
The Serbia international returned to training earlier this week after undergoing surgery in December, but he’s still not fit to be part of the squad.
Vlahovic not available for Juventus vs. Pisa
“Not tomorrow, he’s focusing on Udinese,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.
During his meeting with the media, Spalletti confirmed that he’d continue talks with the club over a new contract in the coming days and then commented on McKennie’s recent contract extension.
“Juventus are showing that it’s preparing properly for the future through scouting and planning. McKennie is a strong player, a very strong one,” the coach said.
“The club did everything it needed to do without me having to say anything.”
Surely, however, working under Spalletti has benefited the American midfielder, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances under the Tuscan tactician.
Mattia Perin started the last two games for Juventus, replacing under-fire Michele Di Gregorio, but will Juventus’ first-choice keeper return to the XI against Pisa?
“I’ll announce the line-up tomorrow,” Spalletti said.
“They are both doing very well, and I was sorry to hear certain things about Di Gregorio, because it’s pointless to single out individuals when the difficulties are collective.
“It will be a very difficult match. The whole environment considers it an easy game to win; everyone thinks they are already relegated, but I’m sure Gilardino was already giving them certain messages, and Oscar Hiljemark as well. Teams always find ways to create motivation. Sometimes it’s even easier in those moments than in others. When a player thinks the game is easy, he becomes more superficial. I’m convinced my players will evaluate the match properly. When you become superficial, you get knocked down, and we absolutely must not let that happen.”