Juventus coach Thiago Motta says both Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz could start in their match against Empoli. The Bianconeri are undefeated so far this season and will be welcoming back a number of players following the international break. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Motta offered an update on the status of his squad and what he expects from the match:
“The international? Very good, the boys trained well. I’m happy with those who stayed with us, but also with those who left and played. They all came back well. We have almost everyone available.”
“Champions League? We knew the calendar. Tomorrow is a serious match against an Empoli team that is doing well. We’re also doing well, we’ve worked these days with the whole squad and we’re ready.”
“Douglas Luiz and Koopmeiners are two of the great players we have in the squad, like many others in the team. We’ll see tomorrow who will start the match and who, coming on as a substitute, can make their contribution.”
“South American players? They’re all fine. Nico and Danilo played, as did others. We knew the calendar, we know what to expect and we face it with great enthusiasm, step by step.”
“I’ve seen growth in the team, we can do even better. Empoli knows how to defend with a very low block but it doesn’t end there, in recovery they’ve created problems for everyone by counter-attacking.”
“Danilo? I see him very well, he’s important for us like many others. With Brazil he played as a more blocked full-back, he can do that for us as he can also play centrally. We’ll see from game to game based on what’s needed.”
“Adzic? He’s good, a good return. He trained well and did a great test. For young players it all depends on them, I don’t look at age or nationality, I look at the moment and what they can bring to the team.”
“Rabiot? Too many assumptions, he didn’t call me. At that time I had said that I wished him the best, I continue to think so. I love him as a boy and as a player, he took a different path and I wish him to find a team where he can be happy and show his talent.”
“Vlahovic? The whole team must help him, as he must help the team. I’m happy with his days, he arrives in the morning and brings great enthusiasm to others as well. It’s very interesting to see him when he arrives, he has positive energy and I’m very happy.”
