Spalletti tells Kolo Muani he must do more after quiet Juventus return
Luciano Spalletti has warned Randal Kolo Muani that he still has plenty to prove if he wants to get back to his best, after the France forward failed to make a major impact in Juventus' 1-0 opening-day win over Frosinone.
Juventus achieved the result they desired on Sunday. Gleison Bremer scored the goal of the match. However after the game Spalletti clarified that he expected more from his striker.
Kolo Muani has returned to Turin for a spell after a prior loan. He completed a transfer earlier this month for a fee of €38 million. Juventus re‑signed him to replace Dusan Vlahovic, who moved to Besiktas. Therefore the expectations surrounding Kolo Muani have always been very high.
During his spell with Juventus Kolo Muani scored 10 goals in 22 games. Afterwards PSG loaned him to Tottenham for the 2025-26 season. This record shows that Kolo Muani can perform in this setting. That is likely why the coach sounded more demanding than patient following the match.
In an interview with DAZN Spalletti said the striker should have scored against Frosinone.
We signed him we looked after him. We know his value. But he must realise that he has not played for two years and there must be a reason for that " Spalletti said. "Sometimes you think you are at a level but then you find that you have left something behind and you must return and regain it."
Spalletti does not doubt Kolo Muanis talent. In fact he highlighted several of the forwards strengths clearly. He said the 27‑year‑old knows how to hold the ball up find space and use his physicality effectively.
These are the matches where Kolo Muani needs to score.
The conclusion was simple
Juventus did not sign Kolo Muani to be merely useful or tidy. They brought him in to replace Vlahovic to lead the line and to decide games. This is especially true against teams like Frosinone, where a top striker is expected to leave a mark.
Juventus still won,. The pressure is not yet intense.. Spallettis comments show that he wants Kolo Muani to sharpen up quickly. The next opportunity comes at home against Parma on Saturday. Following these remarks there will be attention than usual, on whether Kolo Muani responds.
