epa11762941 Juventus coach Thiago Motta during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Bologna FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 7 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco
epa11762941 Juventus coach Thiago Motta during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Bologna FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 7 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco
Juventus coach Thiago Motta urges his players to ‘cancel’ their 2-0 win Champions League win over Manchester City and prepare to face Venezia with ‘determination, humility and intensity.’
Juventus will host Venezia at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow, three days after a crucial Champions League victory against Manchester City.
“Our approach is always the same. We are focused and determined,” Motta said at a press conference.
“We have the same respect for the opponent. The idea is to enter the pitch by giving our best with determination, humility, intensity, unity and solidarity, interpreting the different moments of the game in the best way.”
Dusan Vlahovic scored his 10th season goal against Manchester City and Motta was satisfied with his performance.
“Dusan did really well, especially in the second half,” the coach said.
“In the first half, we made some errors, giving Manchester City some chances. It must not happen, as we have discussed it already. In the second half, both he and the team did well, much better. I am happy with him, not just for the goal but also for the performance. He continues working well as he’s always done, and tomorrow, we have another chance as a team to put in a great performance.”
Motta insists Juventus must ‘cancel’ win over Man City
TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 11: Juventus players celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Juventus players celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Venezia sit at the rock bottom of the Serie A table and collected just one point in the last five Serie A rounds.
“They always try to play well. They’ve caused trouble for many teams but haven’t earned the results,” argued Motta.
“It’s part of the game. Tomorrow, we face a good football team with an experienced coach. We’ll be determined to play our game with determination and respect.
“We deserved to win on Wednesday, but it’s part of the past. Now, we must cancel it and focus on improving the Venezia game,” insisted Motta.
Teun Koopmeiners has been irreplaceable at the Allianz Stadium since joining the Bianconeri from Atalanta in August.
“To us, he’s fundamental for everything,” said Motta.
“I like to see many things in a player, including the body language. If you notice his body language, it’s fantastic. He’s a No.10; also in his mental approach and reactions in difficult times. He doesn’t complain. He goes forward and does what he has to. When I say that it’s hard to take a player like him off the pitch, it’s for many reasons. Ultimately, he remains on the pitch and helps the team massively.”
Motta confirmed Nico Gonzalez would be available tomorrow, while Mattia Perin challenges Michele Di Gregorio for a starting spot between the sticks. Will Motta rotate his squad tomorrow?
“We’ll see what we do tomorrow. It is essential that those who start give their best and the replacements raise the level because they are fresh and can help the team,” he concluded.
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