Conceição denies row with Spalletti after being substituted against Celta Vigo

Francisco Conceição has denied having a dispute with the coaching staff of Juventus, led by Luciano Spalletti, after being substituted during the match against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Europa League.

The match on Thursday evening saw Conceição substituted in the 64th minute for Nico González, leading to visible signs of anger from the Portuguese player after he returned to the bench. Reports indicated that he struck the seats with his hand before heading to the dressing room, only to return to the bench minutes later, sparking speculation about a disagreement with a member of the coaching staff.

Sérgio Conceição clarified what happened, stating: "I did not argue with anyone. I lightly hit the bench, but I did not fight with any member of the coaching staff, and what was said about that is not true. I did not speak to anyone, nor did anyone speak to me. I went inside, changed my shirt, then went to the bathroom, and after three or four minutes, I came back outside."

The Juventus player added: "I clarify this because I do not want to circulate incorrect information. The important thing is to talk about the second half we delivered, as we won and earned three important points, and we must continue to work this way."

Sérgio Conceição discussed Luciano Spalletti's talk with the players at half-time, emphasizing that the coach told them they would not be able to win if they continued as they had in the first half. He pointed out that the team reacted strongly after the break and scored two goals, and they could have added more.

On his part, Spalletti commented on his player's anger after being substituted, saying: "It's better for him to be angry with himself; otherwise, we can talk about it together."

"I think he was angry with himself, at least that's what the coaching staff told me. He came off in the 70th minute, and there are other matches coming up, and if he did it for another reason, we will discuss it and resolve it."

This controversy comes after Juventus' victory over Celta Vigo, a result that gives the team an important boost to continue their journey in the UEFA Europa League, ahead of the upcoming match against SS Lazio.