Motta: Juventus will approach Benfica clash 'as if it were a knockout game'

01/28/2025 03:40 PM

Thiago Motta and Francisco Conceição discuss Juventus' final Champions League league phase game against Benfica

After Saturday's defeat against league leaders Napoli ended Juventus' unbeaten run to begin the domestic season, the Bianconeri turn their attention to the Champions League, where they prepare to face Portuguese giants Benfica Wednesday night in Turin.

Before the game, Juve manager Thiago Motta and Portuguese winger Francisco Conceição sat down to discuss team dynamics, the club's new signings, and the challenge ahead.

Regarding the league phase finale, both Conceição — who, after arriving from Porto over the summer, brings regular experience against the Lisbon-based club — and Motta asserted that Benfica remain an especially difficult opponent. as well as their desire to win at home after last week's performances against Club Brugge and Napoli.

"We know that Benfica are a quality team who like to keep the ball, but we want to focus on what we have to do and what we have been working on," Conceição said. "We are working hard to raise our game, especially in front of our fans; the internal competition pushes us to give our all every day, because we want to prove our capabilities."

Likewise, Motta, who was criticized earlier this season for commenting that "winning is not an obsession" and amid growing discussion regarding his suitability for his role at Juve, vehemently insisted that anything short of victory means failure.

Motta said, "Tomorrow, we must be ready to do whatever it takes on the pitch, do it well, overcome our opponent and bring home the win."

Even though Juventus have already secured their place in the next round of the Champions League where they'll most likely compete in the playoff round since a top-eight finish seems unlikely, Motta insisted that the club will approach the game like any other.

"We will approach this match as if it were a knock-out game, because in a big club the only thing that counts is winning," Motta said. "Tomorrow, we have a great opportunity and we are ready to give 100 per cent, or even more."

Additionally, Motta and Conceição expressed some of the lessons that might be learned from last weekend's defeat against Napoli.

Conceição, who came on as a substitute during the second half of the game, asserted that "we learnt something from the defeat against Napoli: we put on a great performance in the first half, and there are always positive aspects to build on."

While Motta felt similarly, he also suggested that Juventus must not dwell on the past.

"We don't like negative results, and we want to forget them as soon as possible: tomorrow, we have a big game in which to do that," Motta said. "We have done better in Europe than in the league, but our goal is always to win, and we are working hard to achieve that."

Additionally, he later went on to say that "regarding the physical decline against Napoli, we had a great first half, but in the second half we went behind and had to regroup, but that chapter is now closed, and we are focusing on Benfica."

Both Motta and Conceição also discussed the team's recent transfers, the condition and mentality of the squad amid its changing figure, and some personal goals they've set for themselves.

Regarding the most recent transfer of Renato Veiga, who has arrived on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, Conceição suggested that he may have played an important role in convincing him to join the squad.

Conceição said, "When I heard that Renato Veiga could be coming to Juve, I called him to tell him that he would be joining a great club, and I tried to convince him because I believe he can help us."

Indeed, as the transfer window comes to a close, with Juventus having made several moves to bolster their squad, Motta suggested that the club's 'rebuild' has been a collaborative process between the team and its higher-ups.

"With Cristiano Giuntoli and Maurizio Scanavino, the club is always close to the team, and we talk daily about how to improve," Motta said. "At Juve, the pressure is always high, because the goal is to win, and tomorrow is an opportunity to play a great game in front of our fans."

Given the changing landscape of the club, Motta also spoke about the condition of his more established players.

According to him, "Andrea Cambiaso will not be available because he is nursing an ankle issue." Dusan Vlahovic — whose starting position could very well be under threat by new signing Kolo Muani — "is well and is part of the squad; we'll see if he'll start or join the game later," Motta added. "Douglas Luiz could have a chance because he deserves it."

Finally, Conceição also spoke about his personal goals and development as he prepares to face his former club's rivals.

"I have never scored against Benfica. I hope to do so tomorrow, although the important thing is the team result," Conceição said. "Both Juve and Benfica aim to win, and we are working every day to improve and win matches."

Conceição also provided some insight into his relationship with Motta and what the coach expects of him.

Conceição expressed that "(Motta) asks me to open up my qualities to the team: Italian football is very competitive, and I feel I can still grow."