05 October 2024
On the eve of the Juventus Men’s First Team playing hosts to Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium on Serie A Matchay 7, Bianconeri boss Thiago Motta was put through his usual pre-match press duties.
The fixture at home against the Rossoblu fills the lunchtime slot on Sunday, 6 October, with kick-off set for 12:30 CEST.
Below is some of what Motta had to say:
ON BREMER AND THE SQUAD
“The team have trained well, and winning helps you to work even better. [Arek] Milik, [Gleison] Bremer, Nico [Gonzalez], [Vasilije] Adzic and [Timothy] Weah are unavailable, and everybody else will be called up for the game tomorrow.
“We’re disappointed for Bremer. Now he has to stay calm, and to only think about recovering as best he can. We’ll all give that bit extra for him. He’s a great guy, both as a man and as a player.”
TAKING ON CAGLIARI
“For us right now, the game tomorrow is our most important. We’ll face a confident team after their win last time out. They’re quick, strong on the break. [Roberto] Piccoli and [Zito] Luvumbo are in good form, and [Nicolas] Viola played really well against Parma. Tomorrow, though, we’ll be at home in front of our fans and we want to use that in our favour.”
THE WIN IN GERMANY
“Internally, the win in Leipzig hasn’t changed anything. We’re continuing to work as we have since day one. It’s important to give everything in every game we play. In Leipzig I saw a team that wanted to try to win, despite being a player down. I followed my instinct and I’m happy with how the guys reacted. We’re proud of Wednesday’s performance.
“We will always keep our feet on the ground, knowing our strength and worth. But we can never lack enthusiasm. The more we have, the better it’ll be for this group.”
FAGIOLI, MCKENNIE, VLAHOVIC, CABAL AND CONCEICAO
“[Nicolo] Fagioli played excellently on Wednesday, as did everybody. Nicolo can still get even better. Of course, it’s important for him to find consistency and I’m sure he will, it’s fundamental.
“[Weston] McKennie winning the ball back for the third goal in Leipzig was extraordinary. It’s amazing for a coach to have players like that at their disposal. I’m happy that Weston is part of this group, he’s important for us.
“Dusan [Vlahovic] is a positive leader for us, I’ll never tire of repeating it. His goals are important, but so is his ever-positive attitude. From the first day he started training with us he has always given his all.
“[Juan] Cabal is doing well. He has to keep working as he has been and I’m sure he’ll do well when he’s called upon, his national team call-up is evidence of how he’s doing.
“[Francisco] Conceicao has settled in very well. He’s working well and I’m very happy with him. His attitude is spot on, he always gives his all in every training session and every match. He faces every day with the right attitude. I’m privileged to have a player like him in the squad.”
