Juventus manager Thiago Motta addressed the media in a press conference ahead of the team’s vital Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona. Following a disappointing Coppa Italia exit, Motta emphasized the team’s determination to bounce back and maintain their title challenge.
“These have been challenging days after the Empoli match,” Motta admitted. “For many reasons, it’s a complicated game, but we have a lot of energy and desire to transform this anger into a positive result to prove we are superior to our opponent on the field.”
The coach stressed the importance of focusing on one match at a time, stating, “Our ambition is to accumulate three points at a time and achieve our goal through victories. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and ambition starting from tomorrow.”
Addressing the team’s recent performance, Motta was candid: “We made a mistake in a game we shouldn’t have. We’ve played 39 matches, and only in that one did we fail to do what we should have. We’ve talked, we’ve had a positive and constructive discussion. Now we’ll approach every game at our best to avoid repeating what happened with Empoli in the Coppa Italia.”
When asked about his relationship with the players and the club, Motta was unequivocal: “Do I feel the trust of the club and players? Yes.” He elaborated on his coaching philosophy, stating, “The relationship between me and the team is excellent, it always has been and always will be. There’s honesty, responsibility, and communication. If I had children, I would want a coach like me for them. Honest and direct.”
Motta also addressed rumors about team selection and his approach to managing players: “I’m not incompetent. I’ve been in football for 20 years and I consider myself very competent in what I do. What I do is to field the best team at every moment. Choices have to be made, and when players don’t play, they’re professional about it, even if they’re understandably angry. It’s a positive anger to do better while respecting me and their teammates who are on the field.”
Looking ahead to the Verona match, Motta acknowledged the challenge: “We’re ready. Hellas Verona is a good team coming off an important victory. The fans always have the freedom to express themselves, and we have the duty to focus on our work and what we need to do. The disappointment the fans feel, we feel it too.”
The manager concluded by providing an injury update, noting the return of Kalulu while listing several players who will be unavailable for the match: “Kalulu returns and I am very happy because he is a guy who on and off the field has done very well. Bremer, Cabal, and Milik who have longer injuries will not be there. Conceicao, Renato Veiga, Douglas Luiz, and Savona will not be there either. That’s seven absences.”
