Juve boss Spalletti not distracted by critics

Luciano Spalletti believes "learning to accept pressure is a medicine" as Juventus prepares to begin its 2026-2027 Europa League campaign.

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Juve hosts Dutch side NEC on Friday, but heads into the contest off the back of a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Sassuolo in Serie A.

The Bianconeri conceded a stoppage-time winner, which was scored by Juve loanee Vasilije Adzic, meaning they have won just seven points from their opening four games in the league.

Spalletti has received plenty of criticism after also missing out on Champions League football on the final day of 2025-2026, with many calling for Antonio Conte to return to the club.

However, Spalletti insisted he is not focusing on the negativity surrounding his team, especially after its defeat on the weekend.

"Learning to accept pressure is a medicine; it helps you live properly," Spalletti said. "I learned that a long while ago. Even aged 10, I had to help after school when my family was going through a difficult period, so imagine my caring about 'pressure'.

"I care a lot about my profession, and the backlash after a defeat doesn't really interest me because that's something I can't control.

"I decide what to give my attention to and when not to give my attention, and in this case, I've chosen not to focus on it."

Juve has only won two of its last six games against Dutch sides in major European competition, with this its first-ever encounter with NEC.

The Bianconeri will be the fifth club Spalletti has managed in the Europa League after Zenit St Petersburg, Roma, Inter and Napoli.

He has only lost two out of 18 matches in the group stage of the competition.

"They also have strong players like Tadic, and they play with inverted wingers because they want to converge towards the goal," Spalletti said. "We have to be at a high level mentally, and if we're not ready, it could become an uncomfortable evening.

"We should expect a 'personalised' game plan with lots of quality ideas. We have to be ready, otherwise we could be surprised."