Randal Kolo Muani facing ‘two-sided crisis’ at Juventus after Tottenham nightmare

Randal Kolo Muani’s return to Juventus has not yet produced the fresh start he was hoping for, with concerns reportedly growing over both his physical and mental condition.

The 27-year-old returned to Turin this summer following an unsuccessful loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti personally pushed for his arrival and remains convinced the France international can become an important part of his attack.

However, the early signs have been difficult.

According to Tuttosport, Spalletti has no intention of abandoning Kolo Muani and is working intensively with the striker.

During Juventus’ recent draw with AC Milan, the manager reportedly used almost every stoppage in play to give instructions to the forward. Despite that attention, Kolo Muani struggled to influence the match, with his performance described as showing “total stagnation”.

Juventus are now attempting to understand why the striker has been unable to rediscover his best level.

One possibility is confidence. Kolo Muani endured a miserable period at Tottenham and has previously spoken publicly about the difficulties he experienced in North London.

That experience may still be affecting him mentally as he attempts to rebuild his career in Italy.

There are also concerns over Kolo Muani’s physical condition.

The Frenchman is reportedly still short of the level required to cope with the intensity of Serie A. His struggles have been visible in physical duels, the amount of ground he covers and a perceived lack of explosiveness.

His disrupted summer could provide part of the explanation. After returning from Tottenham, Kolo Muani spent much of the summer outside Paris Saint-Germain’s senior plans and working around the club’s youth setup.

There is also a tactical complication.

Juventus are currently asking Kolo Muani to operate more like a target man, but that role does not necessarily maximise his strengths. The striker has traditionally been at his most dangerous when attacking space and making runs behind defensive lines.

With those opportunities currently limited, Juventus are not getting the best from him.

Spalletti’s continued faith gives Kolo Muani time to turn the situation around, but the combination of physical and psychological difficulties has created what is being described in Italy as a “two-sided crisis”.

Juventus must find a way to rebuild Kolo Muani’s confidence and physical sharpness while potentially adjusting his tactical role. Spalletti’s backing should guarantee further opportunities, but the striker will need to start producing if he is to prove his Tottenham struggles are firmly behind him.