Juventus coach Spalletti urges midfielder Douglas Luiz to step up

Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, signed by Juventus in the summer of 2024 after a strong spell at Aston Villa, has failed to impress in the club’s opening pre‑season friendlies against Basel and Standard Liège. Coach Luciano Spalletti, who gave the player a second chance following two unconvincing loan periods, said Luiz appears too cautious and lacks the aggressiveness required, stating “Spalletti asks for courage.”

With regular midfielders Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie returning from the World Cup, Luiz has had a brief opportunity to start, but the coach warned that the window to win his place is closing quickly.

Interest from English clubs has cooled; the most plausible market move would be a loan without an obligatory purchase clause, but Juventus expects Luiz to secure his future by improving his performances on the field.