Juventus’ Conceicao Denies Touchline Tantrum After Celta Vigo Comeback Win
Portugal winger says he only hit bench area, didn't argue with staff after Juventus' 2-1 Europa League win in Vigo
VIGO, Spain — Francisco Conceicao forcefully rejected reports that he threw a tantrum when substituted during Juventus‘ 2-1 Europa League victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, telling Sky Sport Italia he merely struck the bench area where he sits before briefly visiting the dressing room to change shirts and use the bathroom.
“I want to clarify that I did not argue with anyone,” the Portugal international said. “I want that to be clear, because I don’t want any untrue things to be said.”
Spanish and Italian outlets had reported the 21-year-old winger punched the bench and stormed down the tunnel after a heated exchange with a member of Luciano Spalletti’s coaching staff following his removal in the second half at Estadio Balaidos. Juventus trailed 1-0 at halftime after Hugo Alvarez’s opener but rallied through Nick Woltemade’s equalizer and Randal Kolo Muani‘s stoppage-time winner, preserving their perfect start in the competition’s new league phase.
Spalletti, asked about the incident post-match, suggested Conceicao “would do well to be angry with himself” for his performance but confirmed his staff denied any confrontation. The Juventus manager revealed his halftime message focused on the team’s passivity: “always late to the ball, to the challenges, to the runs.” The response yielded two goals and numerous chances.
Conceicao, son of former Portugal star Sergio Conceicao, joined Juventus on loan from Porto in August with an obligation to buy. He has started three of four Europa League matches this season, scoring once. The win lifts Juventus to six points from two matches in the 36-team league phase, where the top eight advance directly to the round of 16.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s Serie A clash against high-flying Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. “We know that Lazio are in good shape, but we can build on this second half performance,” Conceicao said. “We want to get up there in the table too and pick up three important points.” Juventus currently sit sixth in Serie A, five points behind leaders Napoli after eight rounds.
