Juve, Thiago Motta: “A good opportunity against City. Elkann’s visit? Pleasant”

Turin, 10 December 2024 – To defeat acute pariggitis, we should defeat the Manchester City at the Stadium. Thiago Motta coexists with the initial criticisms for his management, which would have been even more accentuated if Mbangula had not saved the goat and the cabbage in the 92nd minute Juve-Bologna. The tests are not over, because now comes one of the strongest teams in Europe in theory but gripped by an incredible crisis of results. Motta against Guardiola, a challenge between two coaches with a football proposal but united by a less than exciting period of their respective teams. In short, a delicate match for both.

Motta: “An opportunity. On Elkann…”

Sent off against his former team, revealing a certain nervousness, Thiago Motta will have to regain his calm and study the best tactics to face City Guardiola, in a very tight fight in the round of 16 that requires important points in the last three. The risk of the play-off round exists. This is his thought on the eve of the match: "It's a great opportunity for us - his words in the press conference - We are facing a great team and as always we will give our all. We must grow collectively and go on the pitch focused and determined on the things that must be done and those that must absolutely be avoided". But Motta what do you think about the City in crisis? The coach used tact and delicacy: "I don't judge what happens in other people's homes, I can only admire what they have done in these years. I congratulate them". For many, Pep was a source of inspiration, probably also for Motta: “A great coach, the facts say it. He has won everything and winning is always difficult”, Thiago's response. At home Juve there was also a visit from John Elkann this week, a message of closeness from the ownership in a difficult moment. Motta he does not reveal the background to the conversation: "For us it was nice to have met him and that he came to visit us, the rest remains between us".

Among the possible owners also Kenan Star, started from the bench against the Bologna. The Turkish talent was at the press conference alongside Thiago: “It will be a great match and we can't wait to play it – the number ten commented – We have always prepared well and we don't want to repeat the recent difficulties. We hope the result is positive”. Star also a great opportunity to take advantage of the European stage against a top club: “I want to do my best to help the team, it will be a great match”. Kenan was asked about his relationship with Motta, this is the answer: "He is a great coach, I am grateful to have him". However, the question is whether the Turk could play closer to the goal, to better exploit his one-on-one and shooting skills. Obviously a standard phrase came in these cases, without controversy: "I play where the coach puts me", the synthesis of Star. Instead, there could be a return soon of Douglas Luiz, who is doing better but has been out of action for too long. This is Motta's report: "He is doing well, he needs to be managed because a long time has passed since the last match. We'll see how he goes in training."

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