Juve, Motta and the derby against Torino: "Complicated match. Vlahovic and Conceicao out"

Turin, 10 January 2025 – A Turin derby in emergency for the Juve. In addition to the long-term injuries of Bremer, Cabal and Milik, there is the disqualification of Locatelli and Dusan's new absences Vlahovic and Francisco conception, who came out of the Italian Super Cup with injuries. The two forwards will not be there against the Granata, an additional problem for the coach who will have to invent a new centre forward and replace the Portuguese on the wing (Weah is a candidate for the titular). Then the criticisms to Motta for the early elimination against Milan and his little-appreciated phrase about the obsession with winning. Juve, winning is the only thing that matters.

Motta: “Special and complicated match”

It's the second derby for Motta and the pressure is increasing, especially after the delay accumulated in the Scudetto fight and the misstep in the first trophy of the season with the elimination in the semi-final by Milan in the Super Cup. The results are starting to count and Motta can no longer hide: he must win against Torino regardless of the absences. These are his words on the eve of the match: "As always in Serie A it will be a complicated match - his comment - We saw it in the first leg and on top of that we are playing away. It is a special match for us and for the fans and we can't wait to play. We want to win". Although it is only halfway through the season, some are already taking stock of the first adventure of Motta in a big team. The score shows only two defeats, but the victories have been few and the draws many: "We have lost only twice with a very young squad and we have put in good performances despite a few too many draws. Injuries? They have never been an excuse for us and we can only thank the lads for the work they do". Then the Mottian mantra, always aimed at giving everything in training: "Our need is to give our best every day and always aim for victory. We want to recover some points in the championship and continue our path in all competitions", the coach's message. However, the victories were missing and when asked directly Motta he responded like this: “The need is to provide continuity and we work every single day to do so”. Then the criticisms, on the game, on the results, on that phrase about the obsession with winning. Thiago perhaps understood that the obsession in black and white must exist, always: “We know that we have to win and I chose this profession to win. There is no controversy, to achieve success there is a lot of work to do and we all want to do it”, was Motta's response, who tried to nip the issue in the bud. In any case, there will still be many absences and the emergency does not seem to be abating. Out also Vlahovic e conception, but Motta doesn't want to hear about the transfer market: "The two of them won't be there. We don't think about the transfer market, our thoughts are on the match and the need to put in a great performance. It's a heartfelt match and we want to win it". There could be room for Douglas Luiz? Who knows. Motta sang his praises in a press conference: “He is a high-level player and can play in all three midfield positions. He can score goals and he can make the final pass, but he must improve his defensive phase”. And it was precisely on defence that the coach was asked why so many goals have been conceded in recent games: “We concede goals because we make mistakes but also because of the merit of our opponents. We must make fewer mistakes and create more”.

Ag. Araujo: “Juve is there, but they haven't decided yet”

And instead it is logical to talk about the market, precisely because the Juve he needs two defenders and a striker. Behind him, he aims for Ronald Araujo of Barcelona, ​​recovering from a long injury and at the top of Giuntoli's list who has established relations with the agent, but now the ball is in the player's court, who must decide what to do, and the Catalan club who will have to, eventually, set the transfer parameters. Impossible for the Juve make a definitive operation for the liquidity index and so the role of the agent could become decisive. In the meantime, there are confirmations of the Juventus track: "There are many offers, the most important from Juve but he has not yet decided and for now the priority is to the Blaugrana", the words of Andres Espinosa to Mundo Deportivo. In terms of salary, the exit of Danilo would free up space for Araujo, but a low-cost formula is needed, perhaps on loan. As for the former captain, who is now on the sidelines, the agent and Juve are working on a contractual resolution. The ties with the Bianconeri having been dissolved, Danilo he would then be free to sign with whoever he wants and Napoli, obviously, is waiting. From the blue side there is no intention of granting a financial compensation to the Bianconeri and the only solution is to get to the end of the relationship. It is likely that everything will be closed after the clash between the two teams at the start of the second half of the season. Impossible, however, to think about Marcus Rashford, proposed to Juve. The United striker is close to Milan that Okafor is about to give up. The track is more concrete Round Muani, especially if PSG were to loan him out. The player appreciates the Juventus destination and Giuntoli is working to find a compromise on the salary. The player has given his approval, but an agreement must be reached with the Parisians for a dry loan until the end of the season. At the moment, Juve cannot commit to too expensive operations, also having to buy two defenders unless there is a capital gain on the outgoing player (Fagioli?).

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