Motta: Derby della Mole against Torino 'is a special match for us and for our fans'
Yesterday at 01:50 PM
Motta's thoughts ahead of the 159th Turin derby
On Saturday, Juventus and Torino will go head-to-head in the 159th iteration of the Derby della Mole, a historic fixture that the Bianconeri have dominated over the years. However, as Torino has become more competitive and a consistent presence in Serie A, the derby has reestablished itself as one of Italy's most exciting fixtures.
Ahead of the match, which will be played on Juventus' home turf at the Allianz Stadium —located across town from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, the stadium the two clubs once shared — manager Thiago Motta sat down to discuss the club's progress, their mentality following this week's Champions League tie against Lille, and the squad's extensive injury list.
After a 1-1 draw against Lille on Tuesday, Motta asserted that the team has had time to reflect on the game and rest in preparation for Saturday's match against Torino. Moreover, Motta also provided an update on the club's ever-evovling injury list.
"The team is physically fit," Motta said. "After the away match in Lille, we have had some time to rest and to concentrate on this match. Tomorrow those who are in the best shape will play from the start, but also those who come off the bench will play an important role. Douglas Luiz, Nico Gonzalez and [Vasilije] Adzic will not be available for the game, as well as [Arkadiusz] Milik and [Gleison] Bremer. Douglas [Luiz] didn't feel 100% in training yesterday and I decided I don't want to risk him, Vasilije [Adzic] has a small issue, and we have to assess his condition. All the others are fit for the Derby della Mole."
Motta was also asked about the club's defense, which has represented a contentious issue after star defender Gleison Bremer's unfortunate season-ending injury.
"Our defense? It's working very well, but we still have plenty of room for improvement," Motta said. "This is true in general for all the areas of our team, not just the defence."
Regarding the Turin derby, its significance, his excitement, and how the team is feeling ahead of the game, Motta said: "The team's mood is very good ahead of the Derby della Mole. This is a special match for us and for our fans. Tomorrow we will do our best to put in a great performance. Derbies, in general, are beautiful games to play and here I felt exactly that feeling and, as a result, we will give our all to get a positive result for the fans. I feel very privileged because since I started playing professional football I have lived in big cities. Today it is the same because I coach a great team and I live in a beautiful city like Turin.
Finally, in what has become a more subtle storyline this season, Motta gave us some insight into the competition for the captain's armband. Although players like Manuel Locatelli, Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Gatti have all adorned the captain's armband this season, Motta has yet to field a consistent captain.
"Locatelli playing with this great attitude is all down to him. He came off the back of a difficult period this summer and reacted with positivity and the desire to keep fighting," Motta said. "There may be difficult periods again, but if they come I am calm because he will be able to handle them as he has already done. Now he is playing well and the whole team benefits as a result. Tomorrow all the players who are available could play from the first minute. The captain's armband? Those who have worn it up to now have done so because they've deserved it and because they embody the values and characteristics that I believe a team captain should have."
