Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti explained the reasons behind benching the club’s two summer signings, Edon Zhegrova and Joao Mario.
Since the start of the season, all four new arrivals have been falling short of expectations. Jonathan David and Lois Openda have only scored three goals between them, but at least they have been getting opportunities, whether as starters or coming off the bench.
We can also expect to see more of the two strikers now that Dusan Vlahovic has suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for several months.
On the other hand, Zhegrova and Mario have been taken out of the equation more often than not.
On Monday, Spalletti was asked about the duo who might finally get the opportunity to start a match when Juventus host Udinese in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Tuesday.
The manager insisted that the Bosnian winger’s absence is due to his long layoff, as he has only recently returned from an injury he suffered with Lille last season.
“Zhegrova is coming off a long injury and is a player who is a lively force,” said the 66-year-old in his pre-match press conference on Monday via JuventusNews24.
Edon Zhegrova (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“When he gets going, he can explode at any moment, with the ball at his feet. He has that sort of flair that makes you wonder what he’ll pull off next.
“But people often compare this style of football to the old one, saying that number 10s have disappeared, but we must also take into account the opponents’ strength.
“Edon needs to extend his range of action. Given his condition, I think it’s more suitable to introduce him more during the game.”
Spalletti also had words of praise for Joao Mario, insisting that he has thus far liked what he saw from the Portuguese wing-back in training, but he’s still trying to understand his attributes and how to deploy him on the pitch.
“Joao Mario is technically skilled. He’s a good player, who knows how to make decisions and how to build confidence with the team and on the ball.
“He’s a bit less built like a sprinter; I want to get to know him thoroughly.”
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