Juventus manager Thiago Motta addressed the media ahead of his team’s crucial Champions League match against Manchester City. He views the game as a great opportunity for Juventus, stating, “Facing a great club like Manchester City is a wonderful opportunity. We have prepared the match to give our best, grow as a team, and improve while always going onto the pitch with great concentration.”
Motta stressed that controlling a match involves more than just possession. He explained, “To command the game does not only mean having possession; there are other things that need to be done well. Each team has its own characteristics. They have a precise characteristic of having the ball, coming into the opponent’s half, and playing with many players.” He added that Juventus is ready to “press them at the right moments and play the ball with quality,” highlighting the importance of quality play in such high-stakes matches.
When asked about qualification projections in the Champions League group stage, Motta emphasized focusing on the immediate task at hand. “In the end, you look at everything, but you prioritize the most important things. We need to stay compact, play with intensity in situations of play, and put in great quality because we will face a team that likes to attack.”
Regarding injured players like McKennie, Cambiaso, and Douglas Luiz, Motta adhered to his philosophy that those who deserve to play will play. “According to my philosophy, those who deserve to play will play. If someone has been out for a long time and returns, there is a period of getting back into rhythm. It depends on their physical condition and how long they have been out.”
Motta agreed with John Elkann’s comments about the need for more character within the squad, stating, “I completely agree and we can still improve. We are a young team; we can enhance every aspect of our game—technically, in terms of play, and physically. Everything counts. We have shown great character in moments of difficulty.”
On Manchester City’s current form, Motta refrained from judging their situation but praised their accomplishments: “I cannot judge what happens at other clubs. I can only admire what they have done in recent years. They have won everything, and they deserve compliments for being a team that has demonstrated immense value.”
Motta had high praise for Pep Guardiola, calling him “very strong” and noting that “the facts show it; since he started his career, he has won everything consistently.” He added that he doesn’t feel the need to offer further accolades to such an accomplished coach.
When asked to compare Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland, Motta declined to draw parallels between the two strikers. “If you ask a forward if they want to play closer to goal, they will say yes,” he remarked. “But there is more than just that role. I know Dusan well but not Haaland beyond what I see on television. I am happy with Dusan’s work; tomorrow he will have another opportunity to showcase his qualities.”
Motta also discussed his returning players: “They are eager to participate and play; they are not happy when they cannot contribute due to injury or tactical choices.” He expressed satisfaction that these players are back in training and ready to help both from the start and during matches.
Finally, when reflecting on the significance of this match in their overall journey, Motta stated, “The weight is what it is; it’s a Champions League match between two great clubs facing each other. We need to focus on what we must do. Everything else is relative—the weight or lack thereof. We must be ready and prepared.”
