Randal Kolo Muani says Juventus players held a constructive dressing-room discussion after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Lazio, with captain Gleison Bremer having strongly criticised his team-mates.
The French striker also confirmed he is comfortable playing alongside Nick Woltemade, who is expected to start with him when Juventus host Rennes in the Europa League Round 3 on Thursday.
“There was some tension, but we discussed it constructively in the dressing room,” Kolo Muani said at a news conference on Wednesday, via Sky Sport.
“The captain spoke after the match. It’s up to us to show what we can do on the pitch. We talked about it the right way, like a family working through problems.”
Juventus have won their opening two matches in the competition, but their Serie A form has been less convincing. The Bianconeri are eighth in the domestic league with 11 points from seven matches.
Kolo Muani rejected the suggestion that the squad lacks personality and said the group was still adapting to a number of new arrivals.
“I don’t think we lack character. We’re a good, united group that wants to keep working hard,” he said.
“There are many new players, including me, who need to settle in. That’s what we are doing.”
Juventus manager Spalletti has confirmed that Kolo Muani will line up alongside Woltemade against Rennes. The forward said the coach’s backing had been important to him.
“In football, it’s important that the coach trusts you. The coach gives me valuable advice to keep going beyond my limits,” Kolo Muani said.
He added that he was happy to work with any of his team-mates, while stressing that players must take responsibility once they are on the pitch.
“I’m very comfortable playing with any teammate. In training, we work on what the coach asks us to do, but we know it’s then up to us to put it into practice, and we also have the freedom to take responsibility.”
Kolo Muani previously played for PSG and Nantes in Ligue 1, but he played down the significance of facing another French club.
“Calling it special might be an exaggeration, but it’s certainly a different kind of match,” he said.
“Rennes will come here looking to win. We won our first two matches, and we’ll try to win the third as well.”
The 26-year-old also hopes a strong performance for Juventus can help him regain his place in the France squad.
“Of course, I hope that performing well here will also help me return to the national team,” he said.
