Juventus on a Winning Streak, Ready for Atalanta
Thiago Motta, the interim head coach of Juventus, addressed the media on Saturday ahead of the Bianconeri’s crucial Serie A clash against Atalanta. Currently sitting fourth in the league, Juventus aims to draw level on points with their third-placed opponents and capitalize on their recent momentum. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Napoli at the end of January, Juventus has staged a remarkable comeback, securing five consecutive victories over Empoli, Como, Inter, Cagliari, and Hellas Verona. This impressive run has bolstered the team’s morale and confidence, and Motta is optimistic about their prospects against Atalanta. He emphasized that the squad has been focused and determined throughout their recent matches, and the team’s performance has been a collective effort. With the Allianz Stadium set to host this high-stakes encounter, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and enthusiasm.
Confirming Juventus Injuries
During his pre-match press conference, Motta confirmed that Juventus will be without seven players for the upcoming match against Atalanta. While Renato Veiga is available again after a period of unavailability, the team will have to do without Jonas Rouhi, Bremer, Milik, Cabal, Douglas Luiz, Conceicao, and Savona. Motta stated that the players who will be featuring are in excellent form and ready to give their best. He highlighted the squad’s resilience and the positive vibes within the team, noting that their recent success has been a result of their hard work and dedication. Despite the absences, Motta remains confident in the abilities of his available players and believes they are well-prepared to face the challenge posed by Atalanta.
Psychological and Tactical Preparation
Motta also discussed the team’s preparation, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude alongside technical and tactical readiness. “We’ve worked on a physical, technical, and psychological level,” he explained. “We have to think about giving our absolute best for this match. We don’t want to waste time on other things. My philosophy is to take things game by game.” The coach’s approach reflects a pragmatic and focused mindset, ensuring that the players stay concentrated on the task at hand. This holistic preparation is crucial, especially against a team like Atalanta, which is known for its tactical flexibility and technical prowess. Motta’s words underscore his belief in the team’s potential and the need to maintain a high level of performance.
Atalanta: A Very Special Team
When asked about Atalanta, Motta was full of praise for his opponents. “They are a very special team in terms of the characteristics of their players and the instructions of their coach. They also have the ability to change their marking during the game. They are a team that plays very good football,” he said. Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, is renowned for its attacking style and tactical adaptability. Motta’s respect for the team highlights the challenge that Juventus faces, but also underscores his belief in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. The Italian coach’s comments reflect a deep understanding of the opposition and the need for Juventus to be meticulously prepared for every scenario.
Motta’s Support for Koopmeiners
The match will be particularly significant for Teun Koopmeiners, who will be facing his former team. The Dutch midfielder, who joined Juventus for €60m in the summer, has faced criticism for some underwhelming performances. However, Motta has been a staunch supporter of Koopmeiners, expressing his confidence in the player’s contributions. “I always think he’s doing well. He’s given us a big hand this season. Criticism will always be a part of this job. He came on and did very well in the last game and also scored. I’m very happy for him, because we live to score goals,” Motta remarked. He added, “It’s a privilege to coach a player of this level. He’s a serious, focussed guy who can play in multiple positions. I hope tomorrow can be a help to him.” Motta’s words reflect a balanced and supportive approach, encouraging Koopmeiners to rise to the occasion and showcase his talent.
Gasperini, Yildiz, and Juventus’s Recent Performances
Motta also took the opportunity to praise Gian Piero Gasperini, the Atalanta coach, expressing endless respect for his tactical acumen and coaching record. “Gasperini doesn’t have to prove anything anymore because he’s already shown a lot. He’s a complete tactician and has done a great job,” Motta said. This admiration for Gasperini is a testament to the high regard in which the Atalanta coach is held, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Motta spoke about Kenan Yildiz, the young forward who has shown promise in recent matches. “Kenan is fine and has to continue improving in all aspects. He’s still very young and there is a lot of room for improvement, but he knows that,” Motta noted. The coach’s comments reflect a nurturing and developmental approach to the young talent, balancing encouragement with a call for continued improvement. Lastly, when asked about his favorite performance from Juventus’s recent winning streak, Motta emphasized the importance of consistency and the team’s collective effort, stating, “There is no preference, because we always like to win. If you play well, you have more chances to win. Sometimes it can be the case that you don’t play well and still win. You have to do a lot of things right to get a victory. Tomorrow, we’ll have to play against a unique team and will have to be focussed. My preference is to win the game.”
