Ahead of a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, Juventus coach Thiago Motta and young star Kenan Yildiz spoke to the media. Here’s how they addressed the upcoming challenge.
Kenan Yildiz was first to speak, sharing his excitement and readiness for the match
When asked about the stimulation of facing Manchester City, Yildiz said, “It will be a great match. We are obviously eager to play in games like this.”
On what Juventus should not do against City, he responded, “We’ve prepared for all games; we definitely don’t want to run into the same difficulties. We’ve prepared well for this game, so we hope for a positive result tomorrow.”
Regarding the importance of the Champions League, he expressed, “For me, it’s going to be a big game. I want to do my best for the team and hope everything goes well.”
Assessing his own season, he noted, “My expectations are different. It’s a great season, but I can always improve. I hope to keep going like this.”
Discussing the recent string of draws, including the fightback against Bologna, Yildiz stated, “We are a great team and we always look forward. We are satisfied and want to do more.”
After his brace against Inter Milan, he shared how it’s changed him, “Certainly, because scoring boosts your confidence. I hope to score again.”
On his relationship with Thiago Motta, Yildiz said, “He’s a great coach. I’m grateful to have a coach like him.”
Regarding his playing position, he responded, “I play where the coach puts me.”
Comparing the Champions League to Serie A, he remarked, “The Champions League is a historic trophy. We work hard, and I’m happy to be here. The first time I heard the anthem, I got goosebumps. I want to do my best to help the team.”
Thiago Motta then took the stage, providing his tactical insights
When asked about his expectations for the game, Motta explained, “It’s a great opportunity for us; we’re facing a big club like Manchester City at the moment. We’ve prepared the game to give our best, grow as a team, always going onto the pitch with great concentration and determination on what we must do and avoid.”
On Juventus president John Elkann’s recent visit, Motta was discreet, saying, “I can tell you that for all of us, it was pleasant that he came to visit us. The rest remains between us.”
About the importance of securing a win against City, he commented, “In the end, you look at everything, but we must prioritize the most important things. We need to think about the game and try to stay compact and play with intensity. It will take a lot of quality to create difficulties for them.”
Addressing injuries and selection, he stated, “According to my philosophy, those who deserve to play will. Those who have been out for a long time need time to play. I take everything into account to field the best formation.”
When asked if Manchester City is in crisis, Motta replied, “I can’t judge what happens in others’ houses. I can only admire what they’ve done in the past, because they’ve won everything. You just have to congratulate them for doing something extraordinary like winning the Premier League four times, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup.”
Admitting Pep Guardiola’s influence, Motta said, “He’s very strong. Not just me, but the facts say so. He’s won everything and it’s difficult.”
On areas for Juventus to improve, he was clear, “I’ve never made excuses related to injuries. I’ll never say that. Every team goes through its moments. We’ve faced situations the right way, by working and being a team. Sometimes we’ve succeeded, sometimes not. We must continue like this and improve in every aspect. It’s hard to say one thing because we have the potential to improve in everything.”
When comparing Erling Haaland and Dusan Vlahovic, Motta chose not to draw parallels, stating, “We’re talking about two great strikers who work for two great teams. Comparisons aren’t for me. I’m happy with what Dusan is doing.”
On Douglas Luiz’s condition, he provided some reassurance, “He’s fine. His case needs to be well considered because it’s been a long time since his last game. Now we’ll see how he performs in matches and training.”
Lastly, on the weight of the upcoming match, Motta concluded, “I don’t know about the weight. It’s a Champions League game where two great clubs are facing each other. We have to give everything on the field to compete against a great club. The weight is relative; only the pitch matters to take the game in our favor.”
