As Juventus prepares for an important Serie A showdown against Cagliari on February 23, head coach Thiago Motta addressed the media in a pre match press conference at the Allianz Stadium. The Italian Brazilian manager reflected on his team’s recent form, upcoming challenges, and key squad updates.
Following Juventus’ recent setback, Motta emphasized the importance of moving forward. “After a disappointment like that, the best thing to do is get back on the field,” he said. “We have a very challenging match ahead, and we need to be fully prepared.”
Juventus will be without several key players for the match. Motta confirmed that Gleison Bremer, Juan Cuadrado, Arkadiusz Milik, Renato Sanches, and Pierre Kalulu will not be available. The final training session before the game will determine the status of other players who are dealing with minor issues.
On the positive side, Motta expressed satisfaction with Timothy Weah’s recent performances. “He has been very aggressive in defense, winning a lot of duels. He is improving, and I’m happy with his progress. He even contributes offensively, which is an added bonus.”
When discussing Juventus’ playing style, Motta stressed the importance of adaptability. “Every game is different, and we analyze all aspects to find the best approach. Possession is not always the key; what matters most is securing the victory. We must be superior in all aspects to win.”
Regarding the previous match against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa League, Motta acknowledged the disappointment but maintained that his approach remains unchanged.
“I always analyze my decisions. PSV deserved their result, but we must now focus on what lies ahead. I remain confident that we are on the right path.”
Motta highlighted the potential of young talents like Alberto Costa and Francisco Conceição. “Alberto has settled in well, showing great focus and hunger to prove himself.
Francisco, despite his young age, has gained valuable experience at Porto and Ajax. He has room for improvement, especially in the final third, but his contribution is already significant.”
On Dusan Vlahovic’s chances of starting, Motta remained non-committal, stating that all players are considered based on what is best for the team at the moment.
Juventus faces a demanding fixture list with games every three days, making squad rotation crucial. “Every match provides insights into where we can improve. We have to stay sharp and recover quickly between games.”
Motta acknowledged that Cagliari presents a tough challenge. “They are a difficult team to play against, especially at home. We faced them earlier in the season, but this is a different situation. We respect them, but we also believe in our ability to take three points and move forward.”
As Juventus gears up for the crucial clash, Motta’s words reflect a mix of determination and pragmatism. The match against Cagliari will be another test of Juventus’ resilience and ambitions in Serie A.
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