Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus ready for anything’ against PSV Eindhoven | OneFootball

Thiago Motta warns Juventus will see ‘differences’ from PSV Eindhoven at home in the Champions League play-off, but they ‘must be ready for anything’ to achieve qualification.

It kicks off at the PSV Stadion in Eindhoven at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The first leg ended 2-1 in Turin last week with goals from Weston McKennie and substitute Samuel Mbangula, while ex-Inter winger Ivan Perisic had been able to score a temporary equaliser.

These sides had also faced off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at the start of the group phase, with the Bianconeri winning 3-1, but this is their first trip to Eindhoven.

“This is the atmosphere of an important match,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia and Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“It is fundamental that we put in a great performance, as we are against a strong side, we faced them twice this season at home, but must realise the differences we could find in their approach here, especially being very aggressive and attacking in the opening stages.”

Thiago Motta keeps Juventus alert

epa11889200 Juventus’ Weston McKennie (L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg soccer match between Juventus FC and PSV Eindhoven, in Turin, Italy, 11 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Milan were eliminated from the play-offs by Dutch side Feyenoord last night, while Atalanta crashed out to Belgians Club Brugge, so does that act as a wake-up call for Juve?

“The level in the Champions League has always been high, you face sides that are often top of their domestic leagues, where they are accustomed to attacking and dominating matches. We have great respect for them, but at the same time have an objective in our minds and must be ready for anything to achieve it,” explained Thiago Motta.

Randal Kolo Muani has well and truly made an impact at Juventus since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

“He settled in very well, both on and off the field. He wants to improve and score goals. If he continues like this, he can give a big hand to the squad,” added Thiago Motta.

There are only a couple of changes from the Juventus win over Inter, bringing in Lloyd Kelly at left-back and Manuel Locatelli for Khephren Thuram. Do they have different characteristics that they bring to the table?

“They have also played together at times. We need everyone tonight, it is a game where we must keep the maximum level throughout the full 95 minutes,” replied the coach.

“Khephren will participate in the second half, Manuel has been doing very well and he starts this evening. Both have been giving their contribution, whether from the start or off the bench. We need to keep that intensity and tempo up, create chances to beat our opponents.

“The players on the bench are very important, they know it and I’ve told them many times. This is a tie that could have extra time, so we must be ready for anything. At any moment we might need fresh legs or a fresh mindset to shake things up, so when the lads came on and did better than the players they replaced, those were our best matches,” concluded Thiago Motta.

With so many changes, why has Thiago Motta not yet found a first choice Juventus XI?

“We had a lot of injuries and there are many more games than when I was a player. It is more important to rotate and get everyone involved.”