Juventus: Motta expects more goals from McKennie, confirms Nico return | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta confirms Nico Gonzalez will be available against Venezia tomorrow, while Weston McKennie could start and try to score more goals for the Old Lady.

Juventus return to the pitch tomorrow, three days after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the Champions League Round 6.

The Old Lady’s boss, Motta, provided the latest team news during a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium.

Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arkadiuz Milk, Andrea Cambiaso and Jonas Rouhi will be unavailable, said the Bianconeri coach.

Rouhi has suffered a muscle injury which was described as “not severe.”

“Cambiaso hasn’t recovered yet. He feels pain and is not fit to play tomorrow,” continued Motta.

“Nico Gonzalez is back. He’s very happy because, along with the medical and performance staff, he’s worked hard to be available. I hope I can give him some playing time, and we’ll see how tomorrow’s game goes.”

Rouhi’s injury means Motta will have limited options in defence, but the Bianconeri coach said that Timothy Weah, Manuel Locatelli and McKennie could play in the backline if needed.

The American midfielder scored the second goal against Manchester City on Wednesday.

“He can start [against Venezia], and not only him,” said Motta.

Juventus: Motta expects more goals from McKennie, confirms Nico return

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I’ve already said I’m lucky to have players with different skill sets who give me multiple options before and during the game. Weston had a great impact in the last game, like all other players. They helped the team when we needed it. He has physical and technical skill sets, which must – not can – must push him inside the box more often to score goals. He scored a great goal on Wednesday. Not just the goal itself. The build-up from the back was excellent, with great intensity and quality.”

Motta’s assistant coach, Alexandre Hugeux, will be on the bench tomorrow as the ex-Italy midfielder will serve a one-game ban.

“I trust him, he’s a top person, not only as a professional but also as a human being,” said Motta.

“I am happy we work together, and it’s his merit if we’ve worked well so far. He is a hard worker, knowledgeable, and a top person.”

Will Motta’s absence impact the team’s performance?

“We’ll see tomorrow, but I think and hope it will have no impact,” the Bianconeri’s coach replied.

“I also hope it will raise the team’s level of attention. We are talking about big players who know what to do. Surely, the perspective from the stands is different. When you are on the pitch, you notice certain things. You understand the feelings and the team’s mood differently. I think it’s better to stay on the pitch, but there are things you see differently from the stands. I 200% trust my players. They know what we need tomorrow. Start the game with intensity to cause trouble for opponents.”

Michele Di Gregorio pulled off two fantastic saves against Manchester City but had started the previous two Serie A matches on the bench. Will Motta continue rotating between the posts?

“Let’s see. He’s a great keeper. We have three great goalkeepers,” he said.

“I am happy with them because the competition is healthy and helps them raise the bar.”