TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 18, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Stephan Lichtsteiner has offered a ringing endorsement of Luciano Spalletti, backing his former club Juventus to return to the Champions League under the new coach.
The Switzerland great, now in charge of Basel, spoke in the mixed zone after his side’s pre-season friendly draw against the Bianconeri, and was unequivocal in his faith.
“From afar it’s very difficult to assess the situation or give advice, but Juventus have Luciano Spalletti, who is more than capable, an excellent coach, one of the best,” Lichtsteiner said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I’m sure he’ll put everything right and bring Juventus back to the Champions League next year. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Lichtsteiner on Juventus rebuild and warm return
The former right-back, who spent seven years in Turin, was clear-eyed about the scale of the task, pointing to the leadership vacuum left by the club’s departed greats.
“It’s difficult to make a comparison. Obviously with Pirlo, Buffon and Del Piero there were hugely important pillars, which perhaps you don’t see yet today,” he said.
“Those players are no longer there, and in my view Juventus will have to rebuild that kind of leadership too.” Still, he expects the demand for success to be met sooner or later: “When you wear this shirt you have to win. That’s the pressure at Juventus.”
Lichtsteiner was visibly touched by his reception on returning to face his old side.
“To come back after seven years and receive this affection, after all the successes we lived through together, makes me very happy,” he said.
And asked about the vacant Italy job, he threw his support behind another Juventus old boy in the frame: “Would I see Andrea Pirlo as Italy coach? Yes, of course. I know Andrea and I think he has all the qualities. I’m absolutely sure Italy will be great again.”
