Giuntoli: ‘Juventus angry and disappointed,’ but stalls on Douglas Luiz regret | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli admits they too are ‘disappointed and angry’ like the fans, but notably refuses to comment when asked if he ‘regrets’ buys like Douglas Luiz.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

A group of ultras staged an angry protest outside the team hotel last night, bitterly criticising the club, coach Thiago Motta and players following the surprise elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSV Eindhoven, then the Coppa Italia to minnows Empoli on Wednesday.

Nonetheless, a victory here today would consolidate fourth place in Serie A and put Juve within six points of leaders Inter.

“We are very disappointed and angry, as our fans are, at a performance that was unacceptable in the Coppa Italia,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.

“We simply need to continue the fine form in Serie A, where we are coming off four consecutive victories.”

What did Giuntoli and Thiago Motta tell the squad in their crisis meeting at the training ground last week?

“We need everyone to accept responsibility, as the lads know their performance was not good. We just need to get back onto the right track we’ve seen so often in Serie A and get back to our level and objectives.”

Giuntoli will not defend or condemn Juventus choices

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Douglas Luiz of Juventus is challenged by Karol Linetty of Torino during the Serie A match between Torino and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The atmosphere is tense after that protest, with more banners outside the stadium and a very quiet response to the warm-up.

“The fans showed their disappointment, they are as angry as we are, so we need determination on the field and to simply resume the form that we’ve had in Serie A,” noted Giuntoli.

“In all honesty, when you’ve changed so much since the start of the season with so many young players, we expected to have a lot of ups and downs. This was made worse by many injuries, wearing out the players who couldn’t get any rotation, and so when we didn’t have time to rest, we haven’t always done well.

“However, we remain convinced that we are on the right track and these lads will give us satisfaction in future.”

Giuntoli was asked specifically if he feels any “regrets” at the summer signings, for example Douglas Luiz, who have made very little impact so far on the Juventus squad and his reply was vague.

“You have to evaluate these things at the end of the season. There are 12 games to go, many players showed their value here, others did not reflect what they’ve done in the past, but we remain convinced they will show their quality at Juventus.”