Spalletti Admits Error Over Limited Role for Openda at Juventus

Key Takeaways:

• Luciano Spalletti admitted to making a mistake regarding Lois Openda’s limited playing time this season
• Openda has scored 2 goals in 34 appearances for Juventus, featuring for only 1,100 minutes in all competitions
• Juventus activated a €42m permanent signing clause for Openda following his loan from RB Leipzig, after paying €3m for the initial loan

Season Analysis: Openda’s Difficult Start in Turin

Lois Openda has found it challenging to make a significant impact during his first campaign with Juventus. The Belgian forward joined the club on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, with Juventus obliged to finalise a permanent transfer once achieving a top-ten league finish. Despite the move, Openda has struggled for minutes and influence, recording only 2 goals in 34 matches across all competitions this season.

🗣️ Luciano Spalletti: "Openda? It's one of the mistakes I made, but you didn't mention it. Openda is working hard, and the boy is deadly in terms of his professionalism. All the boys love him.

I didn't let him play; because I thought the OTHERS could give MORE." pic.twitter.com/0rwcw3XuzK

— Juventus Xtra (@juven_xtra) May 8, 2026

Manager’s Admission and Player Professionalism

Since Luciano Spalletti’s appointment in October, Openda’s situation has not improved markedly. He has played just 688 minutes under Spalletti, part of a total of 1,133 minutes in the entire season. Addressing questions regarding Openda’s limited role, the Juve manager confessed: “That is another mistake I’ve made. I have to make decisions, but I’m sure I’ll get something wrong.

“He is committed and demonstrates outstanding professionalism. I haven’t played him much because I thought others could give me better results.”

Future Prospects and Financial Commitment

With Dusan Vlahovic returning from injury and in contention to feature against Lecce tomorrow, Spalletti indicated that Openda’s opportunities in the remaining three matches of the season are likely to be further curtailed. Juventus initially paid €3m to secure Openda’s services on loan, and with the permanent transfer clause now triggered, the club will spend an additional €42m to finalise his signing from RB Leipzig.