Motta: Milan game an opportunity to secure a Champions League spot
Yesterday at 06:45 PM
Motta's comments ahead of tomorrow's home game against rivals AC Milan
As Juventus sit just outside the Champions League positions in fifth place, Saturday night's historic matchup against AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium represents an opportunity for the Bianconeri to strengthen their bid in the top four or risk being pulled further down the table if they fail to secure a positive result.
Juventus manager Thiago Motta asserted that the game, which comes just two weeks after the loss to Milan in the semifinals of the Supercoppa, and, more broadly, a series of draws which have plagued the club's season, represents an important opportunity to gain some confidence and momentum.
"I think the performance in the reverse fixture against Milan was due to the way we approached that match," Motta said during during Friday's press conference. "We're not happy with the number of games we've drawn. I'd like to reiterate that we want to be higher in the table and we work every day to win. Tomorrow against AC Milan at home we aim to do just that."
What is more, Motta stressed that, while Saturday night's game is yet another challenge within what will be a long and arduous season, the game may represent a turning point in their battle for European football next season.
"We want to break into in the Champions League spots in the table and we have a great opportunity to do that against AC Milan, an opponent we respect, as we do all our opponents," Motta said. "After tomorrow's match, though, we'll still be a long way from the end of the season. It promises to be a good test."
Moreover, Saturday's game also comes during the midst of the January transfer window, where Juventus have made some moves, including the purchase of fullback Alberto Costa from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimares to reinforce their backline, and the expected loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain to bolster their attack and provide some relief for the overworked Dusan Vlahovic.
Additionally, Andrea Cambiaso is very much the subject of transfer rumors at the moment, with Premier League side Manchester City reportedly interested in securing his signing in January. Man City are expected to table a bid around €65 million for Cambiaso.
Regarding these players, Motta commented on their progression and whether they'd be available for tomorrow's game.
"I was impressed by Alberto, he has brought great energy and enthusiasm, he is another player who can help the group," Motta said. "Cambiaso is fit and will play tomorrow. I am happy with the arrival of Kolo Muani, we are just waiting for some final pieces of paperwork to complete the transfer: if everything goes to plan, he will be with us tomorrow, otherwise we will have him from the next match."
Finally, Motta commented on the progression of the squad as a whole, especially after their difficult game against third-place Atalanta just this week, asserting that, "The squad is doing well, the team have recovered after the match against Atalanta and trained well these last few days."
Moreover, he also spoke about which of the club's existing players will be on the squad list, including Vlahovic, who has been out with a minor injury for the past two games, and he reiterated which players remain on the club's extensive injury list.
"(Saturday's) the starting goalkeeper will be (Michele) Di Gregorio, also because [Mattia] Perin was unable to train today due to a problem he had yesterday, but we hope to have him in the squad tomorrow. I am very happy in general with the way all three of our goalkeepers are preparing for each challenge," Motta said. "Vlahovic will be with the group tomorrow, he has trained well over the last few days. Dusan has been left out of the last two games in order to give him time to recover, but, as I said, he will be in the squad for the match against AC Milan. The absentees will be (Gleison) Bremer,(Juan) Cabal, (Arkadiusz) Milik and (Francisco) Conceição. Everyone else is available."
