Lichtsteiner backs Spalletti for Juventus and Pirlo for Italy

Stephan Lichtsteiner has expressed strong confidence in Luciano Spalletti, believing he can lead Juventus back to the Champions League. Speaking after his current team, Basel, drew against the Bianconeri in a pre-season friendly, the former Juventus defender shared his optimistic outlook.

"It's challenging to fully assess the situation or offer advice from afar, but Juventus has Luciano Spalletti, who is more than capable and an excellent coach – one of the best," Lichtsteiner stated, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb. "I am certain he will rectify everything and bring Juventus back to the Champions League next year. I have great faith in him."

Reflecting on the current state of Juventus, Lichtsteiner acknowledged the significant task ahead, particularly the void left by legendary players. "It's difficult to draw comparisons. Obviously, with Pirlo, Buffon, and Del Piero, there were immensely important pillars that are perhaps not as visible today," he observed. "Those players are no longer there, and in my opinion, Juventus will need to rebuild that kind of leadership as well." Despite these challenges, he emphasized the inherent expectation at the club: "When you wear this shirt, you have to win. That's the pressure at Juventus."

Lichtsteiner was visibly moved by the warm reception he received upon returning to face his former club. "To come back after seven years and receive such affection, after all the successes we shared, makes me very happy," he shared.

When asked about the vacant position of the Italy national team coach, Lichtsteiner enthusiastically endorsed another former Juventus player. "Would I see Andrea Pirlo as Italy coach? Yes, absolutely. I know Andrea and I believe he possesses all the necessary qualities. I am completely sure that Italy will be great again."

Lichtsteiner supports Spalletti's Juventus return and Pirlo for Italy

Former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has voiced his strong belief in Luciano Spalletti's ability to restore Juventus to Champions League contention. He also backed Andrea Pirlo to lead the Italian national team to future glory.

English Translation:

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."

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."