After their disastrous defeat against Atalanta where they were battered 4-0 at home, [Juventus](https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com) now turn their attention to Fiorentina, their last game before domestic football pauses for the first international break of 2025.
Before the match, coach Thiago Motta spoke about tactics, his players, and, as rumors circulate about a potential change at the helm, his future.
Amidst plenty of rumors and speculation, Motta specifically addressed his position as manager and Juventus’ ever-shrinking chances to win the league, which, after their defeat against Atalanta last weekend, seems increasingly out of reach.
“At a time like this, you have to remain calm to weigh up the situation correctly: I’m the first person to question myself,” Motta said. “I know full well that it falls to the coach when things don’t go well, but I remain focused on tomorrow’s game. We have a duty from now until the end of the season to try and get as many points as possible.”
Motta also asserted that, amid the rumors of a potential change in management, the club has shown him that they are ‘wholeheartedly’ committed to his project.
“My future? That’s not the priority: right now, we’re focused on playing a great game against Fiorentina and getting the best possible result,” Motta said. “I can say, though, that I am delighted with the support of the owners in recent days. The club has wholeheartedly put its faith in me.”
Motta asserted that Sunday’s game in Florence would be challenging and that, as always, it is their most important — simply because it is the next. Juventus first faced Fiorentina this season in December, and despite it being one of their best performances, according to Motta, they failed to avoid a draw. On Sunday, they’ll be hoping to learn from their lessons and come out on top.
“It will be a tough contest as it always is in Florence,” Motta said. “They are fresh from their UEFA Conference League victory, which will have boosted their confidence. We will be up against a great team with quality players who know how to approach big matches. If you’re Juventus, every game is important and tomorrow’s match against Fiorentina is the most important because it is our next one. We will need to be ready to compete in every area of the pitch. Every duel will be crucial in trying to win the game. Tomorrow we will have a great opportunity to prove our worth. The first leg match was one of the best we have played this season, but we did not manage to win it. Tomorrow we will have to demonstrate the best version of ourselves on the pitch.”
Motta also spoke about some of his players, highlighting that they “have recalled Jonas Rouhi, Nico Savona, and Francisco Conceição (from injury), who will travel with the team to Florence.”
Moreover, he specifically singled out Manuel Locatelli — who, after a stellar season where he has been the focal point of Juventus’ midfield has once again been left out of the Italian national squad by coach Luciano Spalletti.
“In terms of the national team: Manuel Locatelli is very dedicated to the Italian team,” Motta said. “He always respects the coach’s decision, and for that reason, he is highly professional. I am sure he will make the most of the extra time available to him to rebuild his strength after a tough few months and continue to work with us, of course, by giving everything he has physically and mentally in training.”