Thiago Motta discussed the ‘great enthusiasm’ at Juventus’ training retreat in Germany and commented on the positions of Matias Soule and Federico Chiesa.
The Bianconeri are in the early stages of their new project under the Italian-Brazilian coach and have already brought in some reinforcements in the transfer window, picking up Douglas Luiz, Michele Di Gregorio, Khephren Thuram and Juan Cabal.
Juventus are still targeting Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners but need to generate resources in the market before they can complete a deal. Dean Huijsen and Matias Soule are the likely candidates to be sold in the coming days, with a lack of concrete offers arriving for Federico Chiesa.
Thiago Motta interview
Speaking to the press from Juventus’ training camp via TMW, Thiago Motta was first asked about the best parts of this retreat in Germany.
“Everything. The structure we have, the commitment of the players, and for the moment the work is going very well, and I’m happy.”
He provided an update on his involvement in the transfer market.
“We are in constant contact to find the best solutions for our team. We do this every day.”
Thiago Motta confirmed that the players have been in high spirits.
“Yes, absolutely yes. They’re a united group that have the ambition to do important things. To do this you have to start from the first day at work and it’ll always be like this day after day to achieve something.”
He gave his impression of the young players in the retreat.
“Very good. They arrived with great enthusiasm and raising the level of training. This is the important thing.”
Thiago Motta spoke about any pressures on Dusan Vlahovic to be more prolific in the new system.
“There’s no pressure, just a great responsibility. Dusan’s work, like that of everyone else, cannot be judged just by looking at the goals.
“There are many things to do in football, he knows it very well and he knows how to do that. He’s an important player for the team, but I also said it in the first press conference I gave, great talent always needs the team.”
He was asked if he’s spoken to Chiesa.
“He is part of the Juventus squad at the moment and then we will see…”
Thiago Motta commented on Soule’s position in the squad.
“Like everyone else he is training very very well, and he is part of the group. At the moment I’m very happy with what I see in training.”
He gave his impression of Thuram.
“He, like the others, is training well. He’s a guy who arrived after having done a lot of training with his national team. He arrived in good shape, and we’re happy to have him.”
Finally, Thiago Motta was asked if he expects Koopmeiners or Jean-Clair Todibo to arrive first.
“I don’t talk about players who aren’t mine. I talk about mine, I work with mine and I’m happy like that.”