Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani said there was tension in the dressing room after Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Lazio. Juventus host Rennes in Europa League Round 3 on Thursday 22 October after winning their first two matches in the competition.
Dressing room reaction after Lazio defeat
Kolo Muani said at a press conference on Wednesday (via Sky Sport): "The captain spoke after the match. There was some tension, but we discussed it constructively in the dressing room."
The dressing room meeting followed Gleison Bremer’s strong criticism of his teammates.
Kolo Muani also said: "It’s up to us to show what we can do on the pitch. We talked about it the right way, like a family working through problems."
He added: "I don’t think we lack character. We’re a good, united group that wants to keep working hard."
He also said: "There are many new players, including me, who need to settle in. That’s what we are doing."
Partnership with Woltemade
Kolo Muani said: "I’m very comfortable playing with any teammate. In training, we work on what the coach asks us to do, but we know it’s then up to us to put it into practice, and we also have the freedom to take responsibility."
Juventus coach Spalletti confirmed that Kolo Muani will start alongside Woltemade against Rennes on 22 October.
Kolo Muani said: "Calling it special might be an exaggeration, but it’s certainly a different kind of match."
Europa League and league position
Kolo Muani said: "Rennes will come here looking to win. We won our first two matches, and we’ll try to win the third as well. Of course, I hope that performing well here will also help me return to the national team."
Juventus are 8th in the domestic league with 11 points from seven matches.
Coach trust
Kolo Muani said: "In football, it’s important that the coach trusts you. The coach gives me valuable advice to keep going beyond my limits."