Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has publicly acknowledged a significant error in his squad management, admitting his handling of Belgian forward Loïs Openda's playing time was "one of my mistakes." The candid admission came during a press conference on Friday, ahead of the team's crucial Serie A fixture against Lecce.
Since the beginning of March, Openda's involvement has been minimal, amounting to just two brief appearances totaling a mere five minutes on the pitch. This stark reduction in game time for a player of his caliber and cost has raised questions about the manager's strategy and the player's future at the club.
Spalletti explained his reasoning, stating, "I have to make choices. I make them trying to take everything into account, but I inevitably lose something. And him, he invests a lot." The coach praised Openda's attitude, calling him "incredible in terms of availability, professionalism, and desire to make himself available, even for two minutes of play."
The core of Spalletti's decision was based on a tactical assessment. "If I didn't play him, it's because I thought the others could bring more results in those matches," he elaborated. This suggests a belief that other attacking options within the squad were better suited to the specific demands of recent fixtures, a gamble that has not consistently paid off given the team's recent form.
Openda arrived in Turin last summer from RB Leipzig on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for a reported €46 million. The 26-year-old, who previously starred for Lens, has found the net just once in 24 Serie A appearances this season. This return is a far cry from the prolific form that convinced Juventus to invest heavily in his services.
The timing of Spalletti's mea culpa is critical. Juventus currently sits in fourth place in Serie A with 65 points, the final automatic qualification spot for the UEFA Champions League. However, their position is under serious threat after a run of two consecutive draws. The gap to fifth-placed AS Roma is now just one point, while Côme lurks three points behind in sixth.
This precarious league standing adds immense pressure to every remaining match. The decision to bench a €46 million asset during a tight top-four race is a high-stakes managerial call. Spalletti's public admission could be interpreted as an attempt to manage expectations, motivate Openda, or signal a potential shift in approach for the final stretch of the season.
The situation highlights the delicate balance managers must strike between loyalty to in-form players and the need to utilize their full squad. For Openda, the lack of minutes is a professional setback, but Spalletti's praise for his work ethic suggests the door remains open for a more prominent role if circumstances change.
As Juventus travels to face Lecce, the implications of this managerial confession are clear. It puts a spotlight on Spalletti's selection choices and raises the stakes for Openda should he be given an opportunity. The club's Champions League hopes may well depend on getting this high-profile attacking puzzle solved correctly in the coming weeks.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.
