Thiago Motta saw ‘fantastic’ Douglas Luiz reaction and ‘many’ possible Juventus strikers | OneFootball

Thiago Motta insists he saw a ‘fantastic’ reaction from Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz and says ‘many’ players can be deployed in attack against Lazio.

The Bianconeri meet Lazio at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday.

Both sides have 13 points this season, three fewer than table leaders Napoli.

“Those who are available had an excellent training session. We’ll be ready for the next game against Lazio,” Motta said at a press conference on Friday.

“We face a good team with fit players and an experienced coach. I admire him so much. I told him so when we met some time ago. It’s an excellent opponent to compete with. I expect them to be this high on the table. They have a great team and a great coach. They deserve what they have, so we must work to get a positive result.

“I want to see the performance because it leads to the result. It’s not just for aesthetics; I’ve never wanted it. I firmly believe that those who play well have a higher chance of winning. By playing well, I mean to defend well, press well, be united, be humble and defend together to press together. Have the ball and build up when the opponents don’t dare to play man-on-man. Go forward and have the courage to do what we know. Have a great desire to attack the opponent’s box. We must do many things to have a higher chance of winning.”

Thiago Motta saw ‘fantastic’ Douglas Luiz reaction and ‘many’ possible Juventus strikers

Teun Koopmeiners is among the six Juventus players out of action for tomorrow’s fixture. How could Motta replace the Dutchman in the attacking midfield role?

“We’ll see tomorrow. We must balance attack and defence and put our players in the best positions, so the team works well,” Motta replied.

Douglas Luiz has had a poor start to the season, causing two consecutive penalty kicks in the last two games before the break.

“Honestly, I didn’t talk much to him. At the same time, I saw an excellent attitude in training,” Motta admitted.

“I think he feels well. Surely, these – let’s say – tough moments are useful to see the player’s reaction and I saw a fantastic response. He doesn’t stop. He keeps training in the right way and does even more, putting his creativity into the play. I am calm when I see him like this because this is the right path for a strong player who wants to be a protagonist. He’s done well, but surely he can do more. I am happy with what I see in training. We’ll see if he starts tomorrow, but I’m satisfied with what I saw in these two weeks.”

EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Douglas Luiz of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 14, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Arkadiusz Milik is another injured player, meaning Dusan Vlahovic is the only classic centre forward available for Motta. With seven games in the next month, has Motta already decided when to rest the Serbian striker?

“I’d like to imagine that he’s 100% fit for every game, but we know this won’t be the case,” he said.

“He will surely play tomorrow, and then we’ll see day by day.”

Nevertheless, the Juventus coach added, “Many players could play as a centre forward tomorrow. It depends on how you see it. It could be a static striker or one who moves more.”

The Juventus coach refused to complain about a busy fixture list.

“There are too many games, but we knew it from the beginning,” he said.

“We can’t complain today. If, at the right moment, we can express our opinion or give our view on how to change this situation, I’ll be glad to do so, but right now it’s useless. We have a game tomorrow, then another after two days. All we need to do is try to remain fit.”

Vasilije Adžić could make his debut tomorrow amid the Juventus injury crisis in the middle of the park.

“I’ve seen him well. You haven’t seen him much in training, but he’s a great player. He has less responsibility than other players on the team, and I am sure he’ll do well when he’s involved. He can play in many positions. He works hard in training and shows a great desire to participate.”

Khéphren Thuram has made six appearances so far but has only started twice.

“Khephren feels well. He wants to improve every day,” said Motta.

“He has great ambition, and I think he’s grown well. He surely had a great master who always told him the truth. He always wants to play. He’s not happy when he doesn’t play, but he accepts it because it’s my decision. He proves in every training that he wants to play and improve. I am happy with what he’s doing, and he must continue like this.”