Juventus is preparing to face Lillein the match valid for the 4th day of the Champions League championship phase, in the first season with the new format. Motta prepares the choices to be made for the match on the Transalpine field: Di Gregorio should be in goal, in front of him again Gatti with Kalulu. Cabal favorite over Savona, with Cambiaso ready to move to the right lane of the rearguard. In the middle Khephren Thuram is fine and joins Locatelli from the 1st minute, with Koopmeiners in the attacking midfield. The terrible wingers Yildiz and Conceicao act on either side of the lone striker, the very confirmed Vlahovic.
The probable Juventus lineup (4-2-3-1)
Di Gregorio; Cambiaso, Gatti, Kalulu, Cabal; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic.
Thiago Motta’s full statements at the press conference:
“Douglas Luiz? He’s one more person who will be able to help the team. From the start or as a substitute, happy to have him. Today we won’t just have Arek, Gleison and Nico. All the others are well and can play.”
Can you tell us Vlahovic’s main quality?
“I have great respect for the Lille coach and their players. Vlahovic is very well and must continue to do as he has done until today. We have great faith in Dusan and everyone else to put in a great performance.”
Were you impressed by Genesio’s work?
No, because he did a great job from the beginning. We have always tried to convey a precise way of playing to the team. They play collectively very well, very solid defensively. I’m not surprised, I know the coach and his level. We must congratulate. And he will be a very interesting opponent to face, that’s what we need. I know Olivier Letang well, he was my director at PSG. Lille is in this situation also thanks to him, to his work. He is someone who likes professional football, Lille has been doing well for some time thanks to his work.”
How risky is it not to have typical training?
It can be yes or no. It depends on how you see it, I don’t see it that way. We do this because we spend a lot of time at work to see the conditions of the players, of the team, what they can do best at that moment and who we face. Everyone has their own philosophy, all are respectable. I believe in mine 200%. Decisions will be made based on work during the week, on and off the pitch, attitude, technical and physical quality.”
Is tomorrow an important step?
“All matches are important. As Juventus we always want to win. As Juventus we want to always win. The most important thing is to continue to give something more, wanting to improve in training and in matches, to be able to face a team that is very good. He won against two big European teams. All the work done to be at our best, always respecting, but giving something more than our best to put our game into practice and be able to get to where we need to be.”
Did you learn anything from Lille’s two victories?
“We always learn and always improve. All matches have their history. Tomorrow we will be determined and focused for a great performance. We need this and it helps to get where we want to go, always with respect. They are confident, but we are fine us too.”
Who is the favourite?
“There are no surprises in football, nor favoritism. It’s a good match, in a beautiful stadium. Let’s hope that the pitch is good tomorrow. The two teams will do their best, as will the referees. Victory goes to those who deserve it. Today Nobody is interested in saying who is the favourite. In the end we can talk about who played better tomorrow at the end of the match.
How long until we are in the top 8 in Europe?
“I can understand your question, but our big objective is tomorrow. We will face a confident team, but we are fine too. We want to play a great match. We have a good match to face tomorrow.”
Is the team better after Udine?
“It’s a few days, but enough to prepare. This team has a great attitude and impeccable attitude. We still have time to prepare the details for tomorrow. We are ready. The most important thing is to have a great attitude to make a great performance” .
About Weah and Thuram?
I train Khephren and Timothy. I’m happy to coach them because of the attitude they have every day on the pitch. The most important aspect in life and in football, and in other sports, the attitude that these players have, with the passion they have from morning to night, ensure that things are done to be at the highest individual and team level . We are very happy to have these strong players who can become even stronger. They are young but they have the whole future ahead of them. It will depend on whether they continue to work like this.”
Khephren Thuram’s full statements at the press conference:
“The difficulties we will find tomorrow against Lille, because they are an excellent team and their coach is very prepared.”
Who gave you the best compliment between Pogba, your dad and your brother?
“My father and brother congratulated me on the goal. My dad called me to tell me where to improve and for me this is very important.”
How is Lille different?
“It’s the same type of coach. In fact, they always want to have possession of the ball to move forward. They surprised me because they beat two very great teams, but they are a strong team.”
How do you feel special?
“We all have different qualities. I can carry the ball more and move forward, trying to keep the team balanced. We all have different qualities, in fact we are all strong.”
Did you prepare this challenge differently?
“No, we prepared the match as always, respecting the opponent. We are confident, we won two matches, we respect them a lot like all the teams. Tomorrow we will be on the pitch to do our best for the next match”.
Do you feel like Pogba’s heir?
“No absolutely not. There can’t be two Pogbas, because he is a very good player. I want to be the best version of myself.”
Have you spoken to your former youth team mates? Did Weah tell you something?
“I spoke to Lucas Chevalier. He told me he’s waiting for me. Weah? He didn’t tell me about the team, but I know it well, I played against Lille many times. The stadium is very beautiful. Tim is very happy to return home “.