TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 09: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 09: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz pleases his coach Thiago Motta by answering a tactical question and insists that playing Manchester City in the Champions League is a ‘dream come true.’
Yildiz held a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium, attended by Football Italia, on the eve of a big Champions League game against Manchester City.
The Premier League giants have nine points in the opening five rounds, one more than Juventus.
“It’s a big game tomorrow; it’s a dream come true,” Yildiz said.
“It’s a big game for me, so I will give my best for the team. As I said before, I hope it will be good.”
How have Juventus been preparing for this big match?
“We just prepare for our game; we don’t want to do difficult things and just want to prepare well for the game,” said the striker.”
Which Manchester City player is among his role models?
“Man City is a great team. Two years ago, they won the Champions League. If I have to pick one, it’s probably Haaland, but it’s an honour to play against them tomorrow,” Yildiz replied.
Juventus have won just two games from the last ten across all competitions and collected a home 2-2 draw against Bologna on Saturday.
“We come from a draw, but we are a big team. We always look forward. We go 100% tomorrow, and hopefully, it will be good,” said Yildiz.
Was his brace against Inter at San Siro a considerable confidence boost?
“It gives me a lot of confidence to score against big teams at San Siro, but as I said before, I want to improve and score more goals and assists for my team.”
Yildiz pleases Juventus coach Motta with tactical answer ahead of Man City clash
TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 09: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, crouches down as he looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, crouches down as he looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Yildiz was asked about his relationship with coach Thiago Motta, who was sitting close to him, but the Old Lady’s boss didn’t seem to enjoy the question.
“He’s a great coach and a legend as a player, and I am grateful to have him next to me,” said Yildiz.
The following question upset Motta even more as a reporter asked the striker whether he’d like to play closer to the goal. Motta argued that the journalist’s question was “unfair”, but Yildiz replied: “I play where the coach wants me to play.”
His answer satisfied Motta: “Well done, Kenan,” he said, smiling.
“The Champions League is a historic thing. I always try to work hard. I am happy to be here,” continued Yildiz.
“I had goosebumps the first time I heard the anthem. Tomorrow is another great game and I hope I can give my best and help my team.
“The season is still long. I don’t know where we’ll end [in the Champions League], but we’ll try to give our best.”
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