Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli says Francisco Conceiçao wanted to join Juventus ‘at all costs’ and explains that Kenan Yildiz is ‘being rested’ against Parma.
The Bianconeri host Parma at the Allianz Stadium in a mid-week Serie A Round on Wednesday.
Yildiz starts the second consecutive game on the bench, even if he netted a vital brace as a substitute against Inter on Sunday night, helping Juventus manage a 4-4 draw.
Giuntoli explained Motta’s decision during a pre-match interview with DAZN.
“Yildiz is a splendid lad. He always keeps his feet on the ground,” said the Bianconeri director, as quoted by TMW.
“[Today] he’s being rested. We only have Vlahovic up front and with so many games, the coach thought it was better to use him for the final 30 minutes.”
Giuntoli: Conceiçao wanted Juventus ‘at all costs’, Yildiz ‘rested’
Khephren Thuram starts in the middle of the park, but the Frenchman hasn’t had much playing time since joining from OGN Nice last summer.
“I never interfere with the coach’s decisions. He’s very good, and he does not need my advice,” said Giuntoli.
“Thuram is recovering from a minor injury, and we are happy. He’ll surely show his worth in the coming games.”
Conceiçao also gets the nod against Parma. The Portuguese winger provided an assist for Timothy Weah against Inter. He’s on loan at Juventus but the Bianconeri are already considering a permanent transfer.
“He’s a very interesting lad, very good in one-v-one. We needed a good dribbler and we identified the right player in him,” said Giuntoli.
“He helped us during negotiations, he wanted to come to Juventus at all costs.”
Napoli and Inter won their games, so Juventus must win too to remain close to their opponents.
“We are happy with what we are doing,” insisted Giuntoli.
“We started with a new philosophy and many young players. The balance and the initial unbeaten run were almost unexpected. Right now, we lack a few players, but we are growing as a group. We’ll wait for those out of action; the pitch will determine our worth.”