Juventus returned to winning ways in the league against Genoa after three 0-0 draws in a row, and now the second European Champions League match arrives for the Bianconeri. After the 3-1 victory at the Stadium in their debut against PSV, Thiago Motta’s team returns to the field in Germany, at the home of Leipzig. Here are the full statements from the protagonists at the press conference on the eve.
The words of Thiago Motta
“I expect a good, open game against a competitive team that plays good football and applies good pressure. We have to give continuity to our game to control the game. And then when we have the ball, we have to attack well to put them in difficulty.”
For Rose you can win the Cup. Are you thinking about it or are you just focused on tomorrow?
“As always, tomorrow’s match. Concentrate, with respect for the opponent, with maximum commitment. The rest matters little.”
On Bologna?
“I hope Bologna wins, but I’m only focused on Juve. We have a good game to face to the fullest. We have to put in a good performance to get a positive result.”
Tomorrow the two best defenses of the five championships will face each other. What match should we expect?
“The data means a lot, it gives us solidity. The two teams that don’t hold back and try to play on the opponent’s mistakes, this means a lot. Tomorrow we will need a good, complete performance. We have to play good football. To do well tomorrow we will have to play good football, use the ball with great quality, and do the defensive phase very well as we have done up to today, facing different teams”.
Do we start again from the second half in Genoa? Can Fagioli play?
“Everyone can be a solution. You have all named strong players, when they play together they become even stronger. Koopmeiners has great freedom in our team. Andrea too, because he can be a midfielder, a full-back or a high forward. They are players who can play many roles and for us this is an advantage. We will see how to exploit the pitch.”
Who is more useful between Thuram and McKennie tomorrow?
“No, you don’t have to get used to the formation. Why can’t they both play together? Khephren has great technical quality. Wes does the same. We’ll see tomorrow if they start, if one starts or if they take over. Who plays or who takes over, whether it’s 10 or 45, or 95, all can be decisive.”
Is there a championship Juve and a Champions League one?
“It’s not a question of the cup or the championship. All matches are different. It’s how we face the opponent. One thing is certain: we don’t want to suffer the opponent’s play. We will always try to compete to have control of the game. Sometimes we get there, sometimes we don’t. We have already shown that we are united. In recovery, we must counterattack or consolidate possession. Today, a team must be complete, have a strong point, but everyone else must be able to do well.”
How did you see Vlahovic after the brace?
“He’s been fine since the first day of training camp. It’s clear that it’s important for all attackers to score, but football isn’t just that. He puts in a lot of effort, always at his best, in training and in matches. He has to continue working as he is. doing. Now the focus is on tomorrow’s match and having a calm head to play your game, to be in tune with your teammates to face a good team.”
Juventus make the most passes in all of Serie A. Is this their football?
“These are facts that need to be verified, making 10 or 3 passes, our intention is to go into the opponent’s area and create scoring opportunities. Sometimes we can’t get there with 3 passes, we need to consolidate our possession. Every match is different , I expect a team that presses with intensity tomorrow, situations happen in the field where we can attack quickly. As happened at Marassi in Dusan’s goal. A team must be complete. We must exploit the situations, the moment, we are improving in every aspect “.
Is it possible to play tomorrow without forward reference?
“Dusan has the freedom to remove the reference to the opponent, we have never asked him to be static. This is why we always play as a team, being in tune, connected, understanding what to do to always help our teammate. Even when they are away from the pitch. Football is dynamic, we have to be a dynamic team, tomorrow we face a dynamic team. They all have freedom on the pitch.”
About Conceicao?
“His moment always is and always will be. From the first day he arrived he brought a big smile, a great desire to train. He was very sorry the week he got hurt. He wants to recover, he wants to play, advantage for the team coach. Strong player. He can play on the right. He had an excellent training session today and we’ll see if he can play.”
Do you have any training doubts?
“No, no doubts about the formation. I’m very sure of the choices. I can’t tell you. Are your certainties today those of tomorrow? Surely. If nothing happens… Has anyone told you the formation? Nothing changes for me. players already know it.”
Cambiaso’s words
“We’re fine, this is a good moment. Let’s continue like this. We have to face it as best we can.”
What challenge do you imagine in a hot stadium?
“It will be great to play tomorrow in a fiery environment. We will have to be good at managing the pressure.”
What are your fears for tomorrow’s challenge?
“They are a great team and have great players, who run, who are hungry, they are very complete in almost all departments. They play very much as a team. We arrive well, we are sure it will be a good match.”
Did a spark go off for you after Naples?
“Hopefully, we must continue our growth process. We are doing well. We played an excellent match against Napoli, as well as against Genoa. We continue to do our best job.”
What game do you imagine tomorrow?
“Keep the ball. We have to try to keep the ball as long as possible. They have a lot of leg, we want to counter this. Try to keep the ball.”
How are you physically?
“No, good, good. Playing is the best training and we must continue like this, because against Genoa we showed good form and in the second half we came out better. We must continue like this. Physically we are fine.”
How are you experiencing the return to the stadium where you were eliminated with Italy?
“Two different situations. In the national team we played in a limited competition where you play everything in a few games. This is a longer competition. They are two totally different environments. Today we arrive with a lot of desire and hunger to play a great match.”
Where do you feel you have improved the most?
“I learned a lot from the coach, I’m honest. It’s important for me and will continue to be. I have a lot to improve. Sometimes mentally I switch off a little and it’s not easy, I have to do it.”
Is there a Juve in the Cup?
“We also have to play according to our opponent, but the characteristics are fundamental. I don’t think there are two different Juves, I repeat: it also depends on the opponent we face.”
The emotions of the Champions League…
“I didn’t think I’d play it, yes. I’m really very lucky to be here. I’m proud. Tomorrow I’ll give my best. The Champions League is an incredible thing, I broke the ice two weeks ago, but feeling this atmosphere is different “.