Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Gettyimages 2172129430 612x612
Gettyimages 2172129430 612x612
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2024/09/17: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 league phase football match between Juventus FC and PSV Eindhoven. Juventus FC won 3-1 over PSV Eindhoven. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Interviews

Juventus players and coach react to 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven

After Juventus secured a 2-1 win against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off, coach Thiago Motta, Weston McKennie, and Samuel Mbangula shared their thoughts on the match.

Thiago Motta

Juventus head coach Thiago Motta acknowledged the competitiveness of the match and emphasized that victory was just the beginning of their journey towards the Round of 16.

“It was an even game against a team that wants to play good football and does it well. This victory is only the first step; in the second leg, we have to put in a great performance to progress,” Motta said.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

He stressed the importance of dynamism and maintaining high intensity throughout the game. “Dynamism is an important aspect of our game.

We have to maintain a high level of intensity and improve on that. In football, everything counts: we are a young team that has to inject a lot of pace into the game to cause problems for opponents.”

Motta also praised the impact of his substitutes, stating, “Once again today, the players who came off the bench raised the level of the team both in possession and out of possession.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

” He highlighted individual performances, singling out Weston McKennie, Douglas Luiz, and Samuel Mbangula for their contributions. “McKennie is a great player, an important figure in the group.

He’s a top player, and that’s why he plays everywhere and often. Douglas Luiz is doing very well; I love seeing him on the pitch with this energy. And Mbangula he presses, he dribbles, he scores. He always has a fantastic attitude and gives everything.”

Weston McKennie

Midfielder Weston McKennie, who scored a stunning goal to put Juventus ahead, remained humble about his contribution.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“I scored a nice goal, although I’ve scored better ones before,” McKennie said. “But for me, it’s not about scoring or making assists; it’s about the team winning and making sure we win the next game.”

McKennie also emphasized the team’s work ethic and commitment. “Juventus is a great club, and as a great team, we must sacrifice everything.

Against a team that plays well, you have to run hard and leave everything on the pitch. Today, we did that, pressing high and winning a lot of second balls.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Samuel Mbangula

Young forward Samuel Mbangula, who scored the winning goal, expressed both joy and a desire for improvement.

“Today, the win was important for the team, to help our consistency. I scored a goal that allowed us to win this game, but I’m not entirely happy with my performance; I can do much better,” Mbangula admitted.

He reiterated the importance of resilience and composure after conceding a goal. “We know that when we concede, we have to keep playing the way we were before. With the quality we have in this team, if we keep playing, we can score lots of goals and win games.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Juventus will now prepare for the second leg against PSV Eindhoven, where they will aim to build on their advantage and secure their place in the Champions League Round of 16.

With Motta’s tactical approach, McKennie’s leadership, and the hunger of young talents like Mbangula, the Bianconeri will be looking to make a deep run in the competition.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
x
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Mercato

Juventus’ pursuit of Feyenoord defender David Hancko is set to face serious competition from Chelsea, as the English club has reportedly entered the race...

Mercato

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz as they prepare for the possibility of life after Mohamed Salah. With Salah’s contract situation still...

Mercato

Juventus is reportedly exploring options for a new head coach, with Thiago Motta already aware of the club’s plans. The Italian giants have endured...

Mercato

Juventus are eager to retain Randal Kolo Muani beyond the current season, but Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have made it clear that they expect a...

Mercato

Juventus is facing a period of uncertainty following a crushing 4-0 defeat against Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium. The loss has intensified doubts about...

News

Juventus’ recent struggles have not gone unnoticed by John Elkann, who, despite being abroad for work commitments, reportedly expressed deep disappointment over the team’s...

Mercato

Cristiano Giuntoli and Thiago Motta are now looking evaluating the next signings, if Motta is set to stay but currently that is up in...

News

In the aftermath of Juventus’ crushing 4-0 defeat against Atalanta, a section of fans at the Allianz Stadium voiced their frustration in an unexpected...

Advertisement