In his pre-match press conference for the upcoming Serie A clash against Venezia, Juventus manager Thiago Motta shared insights on team condition, player availability, and tactical approaches.
Motta emphasized that the team is in good shape both physically and mentally. “We’re all doing well, physically and mentally. A win helps, but even when we haven’t triumphed, I’ve seen the group always focused on the next game,” he stated.
Reflecting on their approach to matches, Motta said, “Our approach to games is always the same; we’re focused and determined, with the same respect for every opponent. Our aim is always to do our best, with determination, humility, solidity, and by interpreting the phases of the game in the best way.”
Several players are out for the match against Venezia. “Indisponibili for tomorrow are Bremer, Cabal, Milik, and Rouhi, who has a minor but muscular injury. Andrea Cambiaso isn’t recovered yet; he’s in pain and not in condition to play. Nico Gonzalez returns to the group, he’s very happy because he and our medical staff have worked hard to get him back,” Motta explained, expressing hope to give Gonzalez a few minutes.
Discussing their experience in the UEFA Champions League, Motta noted, “A new experience for everyone, a different way to approach it because you can also see in the standings, there are many teams not imagined to be where they are now. We play at our best without overthinking.”
On Dusan Vlahovic’s performance against Manchester City, Motta was pleased, “He did very well, especially in the second half. In the first half, we were making mistakes, leaving situations to Man City that we should have avoided, whereas in the second half, both he and the team performed much better. I’m happy for Dusan, not just for the goal but because he continues to work well, as he always has.”
Motta acknowledged Venezia’s qualities, “They always try to play well, have put many teams in difficulty with their style. If the results haven’t come, it’s part of the game. Venezia plays good football and has an experienced coach; we must be determined to play our game with great attention and respect.”
Assistant coach Huguiaux will be on the bench. “The daily confrontation exists from the first day we met near my house. Huguiaux is someone I trust 1000%, a top person even off the field. I’m happy to work with him; he works hard and has great knowledge.”
Motta emphasized the need to move on from past games, “Wednesday’s game was nice, we earned a deserved win, but it’s in the past. Now we delete it, leave it behind, improve, move forward, and think about Venezia. They will try to play well to put us in difficulty; we need to be together on the field and do well in both phases of the game.”
Praising Koopmeiners, Motta said, “For us, he’s fundamental for everything, he can do everything. I like seeing many things in a player, even body language; his on the field is fantastic, he’s a number ten. If you look at his mental approach, reactions in tough times, he’s fantastic. It’s hard to take such a player off the field; he helps our team a lot.”
On potential rotations for the Coppa Italia game, Motta commented, “Earlier, changes weren’t well-received, now maybe we’ll make some rotations. We’ll see. The important thing is that whoever starts must give their best, while those coming on should elevate the level, not just maintain it.”
With Rouhi out, Motta discussed defensive adjustments, “Who’s best suited for full-back or center-back among the others? Weah, McKennie, Locatelli… We have solutions if needed. At this level, great players can adapt to many roles.”
Discussing McKennie, Motta said, “He can start. The luck is having players with different characteristics, giving alternatives for the starting lineup and during the game. Wes has helped the team a lot against Man City, and the goal… He has physical and technical traits; to improve his level, he needs to get into scoring positions more often. His goal was beautiful, not just for the finish but also for how he transitioned from defense.”
