Juventus hope to continue momentum from Genoa win when they face Leipzig

Yesterday at 05:40 PM

Thiago Motta and Andrea Cambiaso give their thoughts ahead of a difficult Champions League clash against RB Leipzig in Germany.

Juventus have finally broken their domestic deadlock. After three straight goalless draws in Serie A, Thiago Motta's side broke out for a three-goal second half last weekend against Genoa. Now, they're ready to face what is likely to be one of their toughest Champions League opponents, RB Leipzig, on Wednesday night in Germany.

Ahead of the Champions league clash, Motta and Andrea Cambiaso — one of Serie A, if not world football's most in-form fullbacks — sat down to discuss their thoughts about the game and the club's long-term plans.

Both Cambiaso and Motta enter Wednesday night optimistic about the upcoming match and expressed their hope that they can use the momentum from their game against Genoa to propel them to victory against perennial Bundesliga title challengers, Rb Leipzig.

Cambiaso said. "We are doing well, we're in good form, but we have to continue that in order to take on tomorrow's challenge in the best manner. It's good stadium where it will be enjoyable to play."

What is more, following the win over Genoa, Cambiaso hopes that "we've kickstarted our season, we have to think about continuing our development, we are doing well. Against Napoli we played excellently, as we did against Genoa."

Similarly, Motta said that "we have prepared for a match against a competitive team that plays good football and presses a lot, we will need to be fluid in our game in order to be in control and attack well. We are focused as always, and we approach the game with respect for our opponent and maximum commitment. The rest doesn't matter, my focus is only on Juve and the performance we have to put in to get a positive result."

Regarding what Juve will have to do to come out on top against a team with a similarly stellar defensive record as Juventus and how they will do so away from the Allianz, Cambiaso had this to say: "It's good stadium where it will be enjoyable to play. We'll have to be switched on to deal with their press and keep the ball as much as possible; Leipzig are a great team, with great players who work hard and are hungry. They are a complete team in almost every department."

Motta added that "the fact that it's an encounter between two team's with excellent defensive records means a lot, it shows solidity. A complete performance will be needed, playing good football and defending as we have done so far this season."

Regarding fitness, individual players, and the starting lineup which has already been announced, Cambiaso, with great humility, raised some personal areas for improvement, saying that "I have to improve defensively but I'm learning a lot from the coach, it's important for me to continue to learn. Sometimes mentally I lose concentration: it's not easy but I have to work on that, too."

Motta's commented specifically on players like Dusan Vlahovic — who potentially silenced some but not all his critics after scoring two goals against Genoa - and Francisco Conceição, something that represents an exciting yet untested addition to the squad. Motta also spoke about his complete faith in the lineup, which he has announced days before kickoff.

"All players can change the game, regardless of when they come on the pitch," Motta said. "It's not a question of league or Champions League, every match is different, but the objective remains the same: not to let the opponent's play their game and to seek control of the match. Vlahovic is fine, it is important for a striker to score, but he must continue to work hard alongside his teammates. Even without an out and out striker, the team must be dynamic, as the opponent is. Conceição is a strong player, he had a good training session and we'll see if he can play. I have no doubts about the formation, the choices are clear and the players already know them."