Buffon defends Spalletti: 'The problem can't just be the coach if you fire five of them in four years'

Buffon backs Spalletti to continue his work

Gianluigi Buffon has argued that Luciano Spalletti deserves more time to turn Juventus around, insisting that "the problem can't just be the coach if you fire five of them in four years."

Pressure on Spalletti intensified over the weekend after Juventus lost 3-0 at home to Lazio in Serie A, leaving them eight points behind the league leaders after seven games of the 2026-27 season. The result also raised concerns about the mood in the camp following a post-match outburst from centre-back Bremer, who accused some of his teammates of getting "scared" and "hiding".

Reports on Tuesday indicated that Juventus will continue to back Spalletti for the time being and that Bremer has apologised to his teammates.

Buffon understands Bremer's frustration

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon said he understood where Bremer was coming from and admitted he had felt the same way during his own playing career.

"I did that as well, and it was always instinctively. I never planned a speech, I always thought it was right to speak in the moment. I knew that I had to say certain things at certain points."

However, Buffon added a note of caution about how such criticism should be delivered.

"I understand Bremer's outburst. However, when you talk, you always have to be in the position where you're the one who is giving the most and can afford to make certain jabs. But, you have to question yourself first. Sometimes I needed to be told off as well."

Injuries behind the slump

Buffon believes injuries to several key players are a major reason for Juventus's recent struggles in Serie A. He listed Yildiz, Locatelli, Thuram, Ekhator, Milik and Grabara as absentees.

"It might not be the strongest Juve we've ever seen, but taking away Yildiz, Locatelli, Thuram, Ekhator, Milik and Grabara would be like taking Cannavaro, Buffon, Totti, Nesta and Pirlo away from Italy. They have to rebuild and instead they're lacking. Luciano never looks for any excuses, but he also played three days after Celta Vigo and a long journey after getting back home at five in the morning."

Buffon concluded that Spalletti remains the right man for the job.

"If I have one hope, it is to see Spalletti continue his work until the end. The problem can't just be the coach if you fire five of them in four years."

Background

Earlier reports, published around 19-20 October 2026, said Spalletti had admitted Juventus were "inferior in every way" to Lazio and that the club's ownership was reportedly calm about the situation, with the coach expected to remain in charge.