Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti calls for total fan support as the Bianconeri attempt to overturn a 5-2 deficit against Galatasaray.
Juventus faces a massive test on Wednesday as they look to pull off a miracle against Galatasaray.
🚨🇮🇹 If Galatasaray knock out Juventus (5-2 ahead) and Borussia Dortmund knock out Atalanta (2-0 ahead), there will be NO Italian teams left in the UEFA Champions League. ❌ pic.twitter.com/1u4210xrqB
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 24, 2026
After a crushing 5-2 loss in the first leg in Turkey, the Italian giants need to win by at least three goals just to force extra time. Manager Luciano Spalletti knows the odds are against them and in his pre-match press conference, Spalletti emphasized that a comeback like this isn’t just played; it has to be built from the ground up.
He called on the supporters to fill the Allianz Stadium with passion and energy. The manager believes that the connection between the players and the fans is the only thing that can make the team strong enough to overturn such a heavy scoreline.
Spalletti explained that when the fans are fully involved, it creates a context where players feel more comfortable taking technical risks. He admitted that the club is going through a delicate and difficult moment following the disaster in Istanbul. However, he insisted that with the heart of the supporters behind them, Juventus becomes a much more dangerous and united force on the pitch.
One player the manager is relying on is young star Kenan Yildiz. Despite his age, Spalletti already views Yildiz as a leader and a point of reference for the squad. He praised the youngster’s calm personality and his desire to play even when not 100% fit. Yildiz reportedly told his coach, “I’m here, I’m fine,” showing the kind of fighting spirit the Bianconeri will need to survive the night.
History shows just how hard this task will be. In the history of the Champions League, 49 teams have lost a first-leg knockout tie by three or more goals. Only four teams have ever managed to come back and qualify. Juventus is hoping to become the fifth club to join this exclusive and elite group of comeback kings.
The first leg in Istanbul was a bizarre night for the club. Juventus actually led 2-1 at half-time and looked in control until substitute Juan Cabal received a red card. After going down to ten men, the defence collapsed, and they conceded five goals in a single European match for only the second time in their history. The primary goal now is to be far more solid and disciplined than they were in that second half.
Spalletti has been “hammering home” the importance of being compact and united to his players during training. He told them that their recent bad results don’t take away their value but instead force them to prove it. The team has hit the reset button and is focused on playing at their best level, viewing the match as a reward for all the hard work they put in to reach this stage.
Despite the pressure of the match and Juventus’ poor form recently, the club’s management seems to have total faith in Spalletti’s long-term vision. Reports suggest that Juventus are close to extending his contract, with both parties nearing a final agreement.
Once the deal is signed, the club is expected to launch a major squad overhaul this summer, bringing in new players specifically chosen to fit Spalletti’s tactical style and requirements.
