Motta, Koopmeiners aiming to keep momentum going after Milan win
Today at 08:25 PM
Thiago Motta and Koopmeiners discuss team dynamics after confidence building victory against Milan, and ahead of Juventus's Champions League clash against Club Brugge
For the first time in 2025, Champions League football is on the docket. Juventus, who have performed well within the competition outside of their one loss, return to the new-look league phase with some sudden but much-needed momentum as they head to Belgium to face Club Brugge.
Juve manager Thiago Motta — who directed his team to a 2-0 victory against rivals AC Milan this past weekend — and midfielder Teun Koopmeiners were beaming with confidence and excitement during their pre-match press conference ahead their Tuesday night's crucial European matchup.
Regarding their win over Milan, both player and coach asserted that the victory, which comes after a series of draws emblematic of Juventus' season thus far, has injected the squad with much-needed confidence.
However, although both expressed that the victory may represent a turning point, the win reflects the culmination of a season of arduous training and team cohesion.
Koopmeiners expressed that "the last game against AC Milan went well and gave us confidence, although we know there is always room to do better," while maintaining that, "we have worked hard to improve, and the results are starting to show that, although we are aware that we have to keep learning game after game. Our midfield is becoming a strong point: after the many injuries and the integration of new players, we are gelling together well."
Similarly, Motta asserted that "the victory against AC Milan motivated us, but the team's growth has been evident since the beginning of the season."
What is more, Motta also spoke about the positive condition of the team despite an inflated schedule and the club's problems with injuries throughout the beginning of the season.
"I'm very pleased to have so many options in the squad, because this allows me to choose with more flexibility, both from the start and during the game," Motta said. "The competition within the group raises the level of training and gives us continuity."
Similarly, Koopmeiners — who, after arriving from Atalanta over the summer for a transfer fee of over €50 million, has just now begun to assert himself as an integral part of the team — spoke about his progression.
"Personally, I want to give my best for the team, not only by contributing goals and assists, but also with my defensive work," Koopmeiners said. "I've already scored in Europe, even if the goals were disallowed, but for me it's all about helping the team to win."
Additionally, both Motta and Koopmeiners discussed the challenge ahead and expressed their respect for their upcoming opponent, Club Brugge.
"A complicated challenge awaits us tomorrow: Club Brugge are a strong team, who we have analyzed in detail," Motta said. "The objective is clear, we want to put in a great performance to get the three points and continue our journey in the Champions League."
Similarly, Koopmeiners echoed his coach's sentiments, proclaiming that "we have studied Club Brugge in detail: they are an energetic and quality team, who are always competitive. It will be a complicated game, but we want to impose our style of play, be aggressive, and bring home the three points."
Finally, Motta asserted, as he always does, that the game ahead is the most important. Regardless of their position within Serie A, the Champions League represents a different competition and a distinct challenge.
"Right now we're not thinking about the league or Napoli, the priority is this match," Motta said. "The lads are motivated, they are working hard and I am convinced that we will put in a performance that lives up to expectations, with intensity and determination."
