Thiago Motta Has His Mind On The UCL Clash Despite Looming Derby d’Italia

Written By Onyeka Daniel

With the season in full swing, the matches are coming in fast and for Thiago Motta and Juventus, there is the need for the right level of concentration as they look to alternate between the Italian Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, with it new format that requires team to get the maximum possible points.

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For the former Bologna manager, he has revealed that the Bianconeri will have ‘time’ to think about Inter as they fully focus on the upcoming Champions League game against VfB Stuttgart: ‘If we want to improve, we must do it at all times.’ They will host Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday in the Champions League Round 3.

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Over the weekend, they needed a late Gila own goal to secure a 1-0 win over Lazio in Serie A.“I see no differences between the Champions League and Serie A. We face a strong team. They defend and press well, so we must be ready for an excellent performance,” Thiago Motta said at a press conference. “I see no difference, but every game requires a different strategy.

“We’ll try to put ours into practice so we have more chances to win.“We’ll compete against a strong team, and we are only focused on tomorrow; we want a positive result,” continued the Italian tactician. “If we want to improve, we must do it at all times. The team works well. We face one game at a time, with the right attitude.”

Juventus have scored six goals in two Champions League matches, but their offensive production is not the same in Serie A with just 11 goals in eight rounds. Pundits argue that the Bianconeri are more effective in European matches as they play against teams that leave more space for their attacks.

“Juventus are not the only team struggling against teams that sit deep. Tell me another team that doesn’t find it difficult,” said Motta. “This is part of the game, which is why it’s so beautiful. We must always be at our best and believe until the end, like we did in the last game. Tomorrow, we want another good performance and to play good football.”

Weston McKennie returned to group training on Monday, wearing shoulder support. Will he be available tomorrow and against Inter this weekend? “He is focused on tomorrow,” Motta replied.“There will be time to think about Inter. Whoever plays tomorrow is 200% fit, then we’ll see.”Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz has been recently criticised by an ex-Juventus winger.

But Motta doesn’t agree with Massimo Mauro, and is satisfied with the Turkish striker. “I’m happy with what Kenan is doing. He always puts the quality at the team’s service. He can do more, like everyone else, but I am happy with what I see,” he insisted. “We don’t pay attention to it, but never forget that he was born in 2005. He is giving a lot to the team.

“I see the right attitude and desire to improve. He must continue and we can all improve.” He further added. In a related development, Mattia Perin feels ‘incredible energy’ at Juventus and reveals he’s in talks to extend his contract too. The 31-year-old spoke to reporters at a pre-match press conference of their UCL clash.

His contract expires In June, but the Italian keeper seems close to extending his stay at the Allianz Stadium despite the arrival of De Gregorio. “We are talking about a contract extension. We’ll see what happens. There’s a desire to continue and there will be news in the coming days,” he said. Juventus have only conceded one goal in eight Serie A games this term.

“Everyone must be involved. The first defenders are the strikers. It’s about attitude,” said Perin.“Everyone fights and helps each other, so we avoid conceding. We are doing well, and we must continue with this attitude. I feel protected, and we are building a solid mentality. There’s ample room for improvement. I dreamed about playing in the UCL.

“If I had a desire, it was to play at least one game. Ambitions change when you grow up, but you always need the motivation to improve,” continued the goalkeeper .“The energy changes [in the Champions League]. Serie A is spectacular, but the Champions League lights up something inside me, talking to the kid who dreamed of playing it.

Perin reveals Juventus contract extension talks “The game against Leipzig set the standard. It gave us an awareness that we didn’t have. When we are connected, we create incredible chemistry and energy. It all depends on us. We must continue working like this, knowing and integrating the new guys and increasing the performance level.”

The Italian keeper will start against Stuttgart tomorrow. “I don’t feel like a second-choice keeper,” he insisted. “The coach makes his decisions, and we must do our best to make them difficult for him. We have 23 potential starters here. I think this is where football is going. We indeed play many games.

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“But if there’s competition and desire to improve, one player won’t need to play 60 games but 35-40, and another one gets 20. “I’m building an excellent rapport with Di Gregorio. There’s a healthy competition. I can’t wait to go to the pitch because there is a transparent competition. It’s one of the reasons why you play football.” He further added.

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