Thiago Motta on Milan’s main quality and Juventus approach against Leao and Pulisic | OneFootball

Thiago Motta insists Juventus will have to defend collectively against Milan stars and explains why Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli have become regular starters in recent weeks.

Juventus meet Milan at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro on Saturday.

The top six teams in the Serie A table are within just two points, while Milan are six points below the Bianconeri, but with a game in hand.

“I have no doubts we’ll continue doing the same things, giving something more every time,” Motta said at a press conference on Friday.

Thiago Motta on Milan’s main quality and Juventus approach against Leao and Pulisic

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It will be a great game to play; everyone wants to go on the pitch. The privileged who are picked will give their best. I am sorry for the injured ones. We are all giving our all to return soon. Everyone wants to play. Tomorrow, we’ll enter the pitch to play as we want.”

During the press conference, Motta confirmed that seven Juventus players, including Dusan Vlahovic, won’t be eligible for the Milan fixture.

Locatelli and Thuram started in the middle of the park in recent weeks and are expected to get the nod again tomorrow, pushing Nicolò Fagioli and Weston McKennie to the bench.

“The others [Locatelli and Thuram] are doing better and are in better shape, so they play. Those on the bench are important, too, as games last 95 minutes,” said Motta.

“They [Fagioli and McKennie] always helped the team when involved. One has to be decisive whether he plays for 90 or 15 minutes. Those who started lately, Loca and Khephren, are in good shape. Fagio and West must help and, if they start, make sure the team works well.

“Milan are in good shape and have a prepared coach,” continued Motta.

“We’ll try to put into practice what we need to bring the game on our side.”

When asked how he prepared the team to face Milan star Rafael Leao, Motta replied: “Milan are very strong in transitions. Leao, Morata, Loftus, and Pulisic are all quality players.

“Collectively, we must understand the situations and when we must defend as a unit so as not to leave space for the opponents. We don’t focus on a player only. If it happens during the game, a teammate must always be ready to help face the single player.”