Thiago Motta warns Juventus about Verona, gives verdict on three new signings | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta warns his players about Hellas Verona, who already beat a ‘credible title contender’ and welcomes Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceiçao: ‘They are strong players.’

Motta previewed Juventus’ upcoming Serie A game against Hellas Verona during a press conference on Sunday.

Juventus beat Como 3-0 in the opening league round and Verona shocked Antonio Conte’s Napoli with the same result.

“The team is doing well. We’ve prepared well for the game this week,” said Motta.

“We kept our feet on the ground after the opening game. We’ll face a team in shape that beat one of the most credible title contenders this year. They fight, play, counter-attack, and know what they want on the pitch.

“All games have a different history. The performance and results against Como were good,” continued Motta.

“I expect a different story tomorrow, and we must be prepared for everything.

“Verona are accustomed to playing certain games. They have changed coach, but they are still a team that fights a lot. They always cause trouble for their opponents especially at home. I think Juventus won just once in the last five games in Verona. This is not a coincidence and it’ a big merit of the opponents. They know what to do on the pitch. We must be ready to face them and bring the game where we want.

“Every team has its own identity and philosophy, but the two wingers are ultimately crucial. They are those who defend inside the box and attack the opponents. That’s where you win and lose games. Hellas Verona has proved to be a strong side in this regard. We must be determined to play the game we want to. We must attack, play in their box and defend as we know. Very well.”

Nico Gonzalez is undergoing medical tests at J Medical, and Francisco Conceiçao will follow him, while Pierre Kalulu moved to Turin earlier this week.

“Kalulu is very well physically and has settled in well,” said Motta.

“He can play as a centre-back or as a right-back. I see him well.”

As for Nico and Conceiçao, “they are strong players,” said the Old Lady’s boss.

“This is why they are coming here. All the players who will come here will help the team be competitive until the final minute of every match.”

Does he expect more new signings in the final days of the transfer window?

“I am lucky to have these players,” he replied.

“They have different characteristics that are useful to the team. They have the same chances to play. I feel like a lucky coach.

“We are working well on the market to build a competitive team, and you have already seen it.”

Danilo didn’t train yesterday while Khephren Thuram, Arek Milik and Timothy Weah are injured.

“Danilo has picked up a knock in training. He didn’t train yesterday,” Motta explained.

“Today, we train again, and we’ll see how he feels. Arek is recovering, but he is still not training with us.”

Nicolò Savona was introduced in the second half against Como. What does Motta like about the 21-year-old and does he have a chance to play tomorrow?

“I like everything for now,” the coach replied.

“His commitment is evident in how he looks at me and others talking to him. He has a great desire to do well, and I see a guy who is mentally prepared. It’s his merit and the merit of those who worked with him in the youth sector. He and other players we’ve seen until now will be a big help to our team.”

What did he like the most against Como?

“The three points. Of course, to get to the result, we must do things well. The defensive phase was good. We read the moments well and understood what we needed in certain moments. As a team, we did very well. But that’s the past, and now we must think about the next one. Surely, we can improve in every aspect.”

How has his life changed since joining Juventus?

“My life is wonderful. I wake up early with great energy and enthusiasm,” Motta argued.

“I meet amazing people who share the same enthusiasm. I see great guys who have a great desire to improve themselves and challenge in training. We spent the afternoon preparing what we had to. When I go home, I see my family. This is my life, and I feel privileged.”

Danilo is in doubt for the Verona game and Federico Gatti was the Juventus captain against Como. Who will get the armband tomorrow, and what does it mean to be the Juventus captain?

“It’s not just about the dressing room. It’s everywhere,” said Motta.

“The captain must transmit who we are. Many of our players can do it. Danilo has always done it well. Federico did it the last time. The captain must transmit to everyone what we want to be. To the fans, to the referee and to the teammates. What we want to be. This, to me, is the captain’s role. I repeat, many guys can do it. I’ve already chosen the captain for Verona. Tomorrow, you’ll see it.”

Has he already chosen the starting XI?

“There are those who play and those who will play. I give great attention to those who will play because they can raise our level in training and in games,” Motta concluded.