Vlahovic reveals why ‘Motta suited to Juventus, advice from Djokovic’ | OneFootball

Dusan Vlahovic believes Thiago Motta’s football is ‘more suited’ to him and Juventus, but talks over his weaknesses, advice from Novak Djokovic and what he’d ‘steal’ from Erling Haaland.

The striker has struggled for consistency since his €83.5m plus bonuses transfer from Fiorentina in January 2022.

While Max Allegri’s tactics were blamed for some of his issues finding the net and his frustration was palpable, he has experienced similar problems under new boss Thiago Motta, as the Bianconeri failed to find the net for three consecutive Serie A 0-0 draws.

“I get along well with Thiago Motta and manage to express myself well, as this style of football is more suited to me,” Vlahovic told DAZN Italia.

“In any case, I always put myself at the disposal of coach Allegri and with pleasure did everything he asked of me. From the start, Thiago Motta has asked me for discipline, to do those things that might seem simple, but really aren’t. This means always going to bed at the same time, sleeping a lot and keeping to the right diet.”

The 24-year-old has 43 goals and 10 assists in 107 competitive games in the Juventus jersey, so what is his target for this season?

“I do not set limits for myself, I always want to raise the bar. I’ve never been satisfied, not even in the season when I moved from Fiorentina to Juventus and scored 24 goals. I can always do better.”

Vlahovic on learning at Juventus

Among the issues that coaches have tried to advise the Serbian about is his frustration, noting that if he misses a chance or doesn’t get enough of the ball, he becomes increasingly irritable.

“It’s true, at times things go wrong on the pitch and I start getting agitated, but I am trying to change that, because it really doesn’t help. As Novak Djokovic said: ‘My best ability is knowing how to cancel an error from my mind.’ Cristiano Ronaldo said the same thing and I know this is where I can improve,” continued Vlahovic.

“It is so important to have balance, so not get too excited when things go well, nor let your head drop when they go badly. I learned a lot at Juventus, because when you play every three days, there is always another opportunity coming up. On the other hand, you also have to be constantly in top form, because winning here is normality. If you want to become the best, you must have this mentality.”

Vlahovic was asked which elements from the skills of other strikers he would like to incorporate into his own game.

“From Haaland I’d take the way he attacks the penalty area. When he starts that run, he’s difficult to stop. From Lautaro Martinez, the way he positions his body, as that is decisive. He was the best last season and I have great respect for him.

“Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski are the best finishers, from Victor Osimhen I’d steal his pace.”