Football Italia·Italy·Friday, September 18, 2026 at 01:36 PM

Openda: Juventus move ‘not a mistake’, Vlahovic ‘kept the ball to himself’

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Lorenzo Bettoni

BOLOGNA, ITALY - DECEMBER 14: Lois Openda of Juventus is challenged by Emil Holm of Bologna during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Lois Openda insists his move to Juventus in 2025 was not a mistake, but notes, ‘I had good chemistry with Jonathan David,’ while Dusan Vlahovic ‘tended to keep the ball to himself.’

Belgium international Openda spoke to L’Equipe about his first and only season at Juventus.

Now on loan at Lyon, the 26-year-old has scored two goals in eight apperances with the French club so far this season.

TURIN, ITALY - JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) — TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Openda: I had good chemistry with David

During his interview with L’Equipe (via Gazzetta), he explained what went wrong for him at the Allianz Stadium.

“I spoke with Damien Comolli, who was then the club director, and he explained how he intended to use me in a difficult league,” he said.

“In Italy, the team that really exploits depth is Inter. Roma are only just starting to understand it.

“The coach wanted me, but Vlahovic and David were already playing in my position,” he continued.

“I had good chemistry with David, but the team wasn’t used to playing with a player who runs in behind, and Vlahovic tended to keep the ball to himself.”

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) — TURIN, ITALY – MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Openda played under Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti at Juventus during the 2025-26 campaign, but failed to impress, scoring just one goal in 34 appearances across all competitions.

“I tried to get my chance, and sometimes I did, but towards the end of the season, I realised that to play, I had to leave,” he added.

Nevertheless, Openda feels leaving RB Leipzig for Juventus was not a mistake.

“It wasn’t a mistake, and it allowed me to work on aspects I hadn’t considered,” he concluded.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Lois Openda of Juventus is challenged by Matteo Palma of Udinese Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I knew exactly what I was getting into, and I’m sure that in other circumstances, it would have gone better.”

Lyon paid €3.5m for Openda’s loan transfer for 2026-27, but the French side have no option to make his move permanent.

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