As Juventus prepare for their Serie A opener against newly-promoted Como, head coach Thiago Motta addressed the media in a pre-match press conference, expressing his enthusiasm and outlining his expectations for the team.
Motta began by highlighting the team’s excitement: “We can’t wait to get to tomorrow’s game, to compete with the opponent and reach our goal. To put in a great performance and achieve the result we want.”
Regarding squad selection and the transfer market, Motta stated, “McKennie is a useful and functional player for our needs. Tomorrow we have 19 players to face the match, only 11 can play. I can make 5 changes, no more. We are doing well, good preparation, everything we want to see. Ready to face tomorrow’s game.”
The coach emphasized merit-based selection: “All the players who come tomorrow deserve it, to play from the start or during the match, they do it on merit.”
On young talent Kenan Yildiz, Motta praised his work ethic: “We have a player who wears a historic number, for various reasons, but we have a strong player, with great quality and above all with work. A boy who has a culture of work, and that’s important. It should be emphasized. He also transmits this to others regardless of his age.”
Addressing the challenge of facing Como, Motta said, “They have always played like this, regardless of history. Everyone has their own path. Tomorrow we will face a good team, also with experience. Belotti, Reina, Moreno. A good team that we will try to bring to our side.”
Regarding Federico Chiesa’s situation, Motta clarified, “No, the position hasn’t changed. We have talked. It’s the demonstration of respect I have for everyone. Transparency, clarity, this is the way I transmit to my players. Respect. Nothing has changed.”
On Dusan Vlahovic, the coach expressed confidence: “I see him very well, he’s working well, helping his teammates. We keep him close, so he can give a great hand. All great players need the team.”
Motta concluded by addressing Fabio Miretti’s status: “He’s doing differentiated work, when he’s in the group we’ll talk about it. He’s working well, he started the preparation very well, he won’t be part of the group. We’ll talk about it when he’s in the group.”
