Former Italy and Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli believes Juventus’ best signing this summer is Thiago Motta. The 41-year-old gave his first press conference as the Bianconeri’s new head coach, and speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli shared his thoughts on the appointment, and why he believes it will be a successful move for the Old Lady:
Surprised by Thiago Motta’s first Juventus conference?
“Thiago presented himself as… Thiago. He has personality and charisma, just like as a player. And I am also convinced that he arrived at Juventus at the right moment.”
If you had to describe Thiago Motta to a friend through an anecdote from the Azzurri days?
“I think of his debut at Euro 2012 against Spain. We drew, and at the end of the match, even the then-president of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, came to congratulate us in the locker room. At one point, Thiago, someone who usually speaks very little, stands up and asks for the floor. Silence falls, and everyone listens to him. Thiago is concise but direct: ‘You need to realize that we are strong and we will get to the end.’ And that’s how it was.”
What aspect of Motta as a coach impresses you the most?
“Among young coaches, Motta is one of the few who does not repeat the same game situations. Thiago rotates the triangles and occupies spaces differently; with him, the player in possession always has 2-3 different solutions. Last year, everyone knew how Bologna played, but they still struggled to counter it.”
Juventus is not Bologna, though…
“You will see: at Juventus, he will do the same things as in Bologna, but with greater quality at his disposal.”
Giuntoli has already made four signings: will Douglas Luiz be the top player of Juventus?
“No, Thiago will be the top player. Motta will enhance everyone, starting with the most talented players. Douglas Luiz is a good player, but he will need a period of adaptation to get to know his teammates, the Italian league, and the Juventus world. Patience will be needed; even a phenomenon like Platini needed 5-6 months to explode…”
Can your pupil Vlahovic reach 30 goals under Thiago Motta’s guidance?
“Of course. Dusan has grown a lot with Allegri, and in Thiago’s game, he will be even more involved. The talent and potential of Vlahovic are not in question.”
Are you surprised by the possible departure of Chiesa?
“Federico is one of those players who could shine under Thiago; however, there are many aspects to evaluate, starting with motivations. From the outside, it’s hard to form a precise idea. If Chiesa were to be sacrificed, I wouldn’t be surprised: in football, nothing surprises me anymore.”
Juventus is still targeting Koopmeiners to refine the midfield: can he be the cherry on top?
“The Dutchman knows the league, is adept at his role, and can do a bit of everything in midfield. However, Koopmeiners is still with Atalanta. We will see…”
Juventus, Milan, Napoli: who will be the real anti-Inter?
“Gasperini’s Atalanta, which can and must dream big. Inzaghi starts as the favorite; after all, he won the last championship with three months to spare. All the other rivals will have to work hard to get closer to the Nerazzurri.”
