Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has admitted that the club shares the fans’ disappointment and anger after recent poor performances. However, when questioned about whether he regrets signing players like Douglas Luiz, he avoided giving a direct answer.
Speaking before the match at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin, Giuntoli acknowledged the fans’ frustration, which was evident in a recent protest at the team hotel. Fans were critical of the club, coach Thiago Motta, and the players after unexpected defeats, including elimination from the Champions League and a Coppa Italia loss to Empoli.
Despite the recent setbacks, Giuntoli emphasized the importance of focusing on Serie A, where a victory would strengthen their fourth-place position and narrow the gap to league leaders Inter.
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Giuntoli stated, “We are very disappointed and angry, just like our fans, with our unacceptable performance in the Coppa Italia.” He added, “We need to continue our positive run in Serie A, where we have won our last four matches.”
Regarding a crisis meeting with Thiago Motta and the squad, Giuntoli explained that the message was about taking responsibility. “Everyone needs to accept responsibility because the players know their performance was not up to standard. We need to get back to the level we have shown in Serie A and achieve our objectives.”
Juventus’ Stance on Team Choices
The atmosphere remains tense, with further fan protests and a muted response to the team’s warm-up. Giuntoli reiterated that the fans’ anger mirrors the club’s feelings and stressed the need for determination on the field to regain their Serie A form.
He also pointed out the significant changes within the team, including the integration of many young players, which was expected to lead to inconsistencies. Injuries have further complicated matters, limiting player rotation and impacting performance when rest was needed.
Despite these challenges, Giuntoli expressed confidence in the team’s direction and the future contributions of the players.
When directly asked about regrets over summer signings like Douglas Luiz, Giuntoli remained non-committal. “These evaluations are made at the end of the season. With 12 games remaining, some players have shown their worth, while others haven’t yet performed to their potential. However, we are confident they will demonstrate their quality at Juventus.”