Thiago Motta was feeling incredibly positive following Spezia’s upset 1-0 win over Napoli tonight.
The Ligurian side took the lead in the 37th minute thanks to a Juan Jesus own goal and managed to hold off the Partenopei’s onslaught, securing all three points despite facing 26 shots in total.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the win over Napoli, Motta started by analysing the victory, saying ‘we know that Napoli are a team that tries to spread out with a full-back on the other side, with a winger and when we sit deep it becomes more difficult to defend. We tried to keep ourselves as high as possible.’
He felt confident in his position as head coach and expects a positive second half of the season. ‘I’m happy with the path, I think from the beginning we have worked a lot together with these guys, we are always in line with the goal of the club and the value of our team.
‘We did well in the first half of the season, sometimes not so well, but it happens, we know that we are always fighting to avoid relegation, I am convinced and confident that we will do even better in the second half.’
The 39-year-old Italian-Brazilian was not distracted by reports that he would lose his job after the Christmas break. ‘I thought about the game first, to prepare for it in the best way, from today I think about the next one already, at Verona at home, a complicated game for us.
‘That’s the way our job is: pressure, discussions, they’ll always exist, that’s why I like it so much, every day with great commitment and professionalism with the staff and the players, who are the protagonists, who played a great game and deservedly won.’
Finally, Motta highlighted that he had a good relationship with the club, noting ‘we’re in line with the club’s objectives, I’m confident in the second half of the season.
Spezia’s win over Napoli means that they are now five points clear of relegation candidates Genoa, with the three points tonight being key as the team look to remain in Serie A and avoid relegation.
Thiago Motta: «Abbiamo difeso il più alto possibile. Una grandissima partita meritatamente vinta»
A Dazn: «Il mio futuro? Il nostro lavoro è fatto di pressioni e discussioni, mi piace per quello» #NapoliSpezia https://t.co/CT3H0knaP8
— il Napolista (@napolista) December 22, 2021