Spalletti: Media criticism is motivating Juventus even more

Luciano Spalletti hit back firmly at the media criticism aimed at Juventus, insisting that his team are more motivated than ever.

After 11 Serie A matches, Juventus sit seventh and go into the international break 11 points behind leaders Lazio. The Bianconeri, who drew 2-2 with Fiorentina on Sunday, have averaged only 1.63 points per game in the league this season.

Since the introduction of three points for a win, Juventus have recorded a lower points-per-game average in only three seasons in their league history: 2009-10 (1.45), 2010-11 (1.53) and 1998-99 (1.59).

Asked whether he was worried about being so far off the top, Spalletti said:

"You keep telling us that we are out of Europe and that we have to win the Europa League. You always repeat it. You ask the same questions every time, and that motivates us. Everyone is aware of everything, and I continue to believe in myself.

I have already said this 45 times. I know very well what I want. If I am still here, it is because I want to do good work and because I have resolved certain situations. Full stop. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and try to create something new. My motivation is extremely high."

The experienced head coach also answered questions about the mistakes Juventus have been making. According to the statistics, the Bianconeri have made only six individual errors leading to an opposition shot this season.

"At this level, the eyes and the mind are more important than the feet," Spalletti said. "If you cannot see things before they happen and only notice them as they occur, you are already too late. I have explained this many times, but unfortunately we have not fully grasped it yet. Sometimes we play far too casually, or we lose the ball inside our own penalty area and panic. We need to be more mature, stay calm and move together as a team."

With the score at 2-2 against Fiorentina, Juventus appealed for a penalty for a handball by Joao Mario inside the area, but the referee did not give the decision they wanted. Fiorentina twice went ahead in the match through goals from Mateo Pellegrino and Alieu Njie, while Juventus's equalisers came from Nick Woltemade and Bremer.