Thiago Motta gives his verdict on new Juventus signings, insists Federico Chiesa is a ‘strong player’ and reveals Douglas Luiz will drop in defence in some games.
Motta was unveiled as the new Juventus coach at a press conference on Thursday, July 18, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
A former Italy international, Motta has signed a three-year contract with the Bianconeri and started the pre-season with the Serie A giants on July 10.
Juventus reveal ‘minimum’ 2024-25 target, three more signings and Rabiot exit
During his first press conference as the new Juventus coach, the ex-Bologna tactician touched on several meaningful issues, including the transfer window, the new players already signed by the club and those who are rumoured to be not part of his plans, such as Federico Chiesa.
Motta said that he wants to see an ambitious team that is “happy” after each game and claimed that he is currently not considering changing the captain.
Below is every word Motta said in his first press conference as the new Juventus coach.
INTRODUCTION – “First of all, thank you for being here. I am happy and satisfied to be coaching a historic and ambitious club, and I am convinced that we’ll open an interesting cycle. The first few days were amazing. I’ve found fantastic structures and competent people who are helping me. I thank the fans for their warm welcome. I am very happy to be here with you.”
IDENTITY – “I want a proud and happy team after every game. This means we have given our best. This is what I want to see every time.”
WHY JUVENTUS AND SHORT-TERM TARGETS – “It’s an ambitious and historic club. I arrive at the right moment. It will be an interesting cycle. We have to prepare well. We are at an important moment of the season, so we must be fully focused and ready to compete at a high level in every game. These are the targets today, then we’ll see.”
WHAT HE DIDN’T EXPECT – “I knew I was coming to a fantastic club. Our structures are amazing, and we have everything we need to do a great job. We’ll face these three years with enthusiasm and positive energy, trying to play as many games as possible, which would mean that the team is going well.”
JUVENTUS MUST WIN – “I agree with the concept of winning; it’s the same for all top teams. I feel this responsibility, but it’s an amazing responsibility. I would not change this role with any other. I want to give my best and transmit all the enthusiasm and motivation. We want to face every game at our best and compete against everyone. This is my idea today.”
PRESSURE AND MEETING ELKANN – “It was a pleasure to meet John Elkann, who gives me extra motivation. It’s a nice responsibility to coach this great club.”
VLAHOVIC – “Criticism is part of our work and must be accepted. Vlahovic is a top player, but surely talent needs a team and team spirit. When this works, talents emerge alone. I have no doubts that he and other players will have a great season with the team’s development.”
HIS COACHES AS A FOOTBALLER – “Mourinho and Gasperini are talented coaches, it was a privilege to work with them and other coaches and learn from them. I also want to transmit this passion as a coach. I thank them all. I’ve taken a few things from all of them and today I go ahead with my ideas and I hope we can do well.”
CHIESA – “Our directors already said it. The level is high; we only have strong footballers, and this is true for him, too.”
CAPTAIN – “Today we have a great captain, Danilo. I’d like to have him here already, but he also needs to have a holiday, rest, and come here at the top of his mental and physical energy. When we are all together, we’ll evaluate the situation at the right moment. Today, I am happy to have a captain like Danilo, and I hope he’ll come here soon to prepare us for this great season.”
YILDIZ ROLE – “I saw him two days ago. He seemed a fantastic guy to me, like everyone else. From what I saw on the pitch, he can play any role. When one has a desire to grow and talent, he can only improve and help the team.”
SOULE – “He is part of the group today, the only thing I can say is that he’s training really well.”
RABIOT – “As a friend, I’ll be very happy if he’s happy elsewhere. I’ve known him for a long time and I wish him the best.”
SEASON – “Game by game. Every match is crucial. The most important thing is the motivation we’ll put in every game, regardless of opponents and competition. That’s why we must only focus on preparing well.”
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER – “To me, midfielders must do everything. Defend, attack, know how to play, tackle, score. We only have strong players here, and I think all the midfielders who will remain here will be able to do everything.”
MIRETTI – “He can improve on everything. He is young, an excellent footballer, and focused on playing football. I am happy with him. He didn’t sign a new contract, he signed a big responsibility. I am happy he’s with us, he’ll surely help us.”
MODERN FOOTBALLERS – “All players we have are strong. I am waiting for the others [those still on holiday after international duty]. I am not saying they must all play in different roles. What I said is that in football there aren’t many top players covering just one position. Therefore, we must be versatile and we have many players like this here.”
DOUGLAS LUIZ – “He is a great footballer. We did a great job in having him here. He plays for Brazil, which is not a small thing. He had an important season, qualifying for the Champions League for a team that was not among the candidates. He is a complete footballer who will easily adapt to our playing style. He must be able to change roles during the game and, defensively, depending on our opponents, he will also play as a defender.”
GAP WITH INTER – “The past is behind us. Now, we must focus on the present and prepare well. We must be ready when the season begins and prove we can compete. Koopmeiners? It’s not our player, I don’t talk about players of other clubs.”
LITTLE TIME – “We have no excuses; we know how it is. We are ready to face every situation, always with positivity.”
LONG SEASON – “It’s a new season for everyone, but as of today, nothing has changed. The preparation is always the same. We want to be ready for the first match and focus on one game at a time.”
NEXT GEN AND ADZIC – “Surely they will help us. We will have 23-24 starters in the first team for many games. A great and healthy competition is nice. Adzic is a very interesting player. I am very happy with what I’ve seen so far. He’s young, but I don’t look at the age much. I look at the present. He is training well. He has great physicality. He has good technique, and I see him as very prepared mentally. We’ll see if he’ll play with us or if we must wait. But the first feeling I have is that he can become an important player.”