Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus played with heart, soul and heads’ | OneFootball

Thiago Motta notes that Juventus followed their game plan perfectly to beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Champions League. ‘We played with heart and soul, but also our heads.’

The Bianconeri knew the pressure was on, as they were on eight points along with Manchester City going into this showdown.

Both teams seem to be in crisis at the moment, but Juve emerged 2-0 winners in Turin thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s header and a Weston McKennie volley to send them surging up the table.

“We played with heart and soul, but also our heads, with the desire to do things the right way,” Thiago Motta told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“We knew before the game that we’d have to defend deep a lot more than usual, but we did it together as a team. In attack, we also had to go together, strike at the right time, and that is what we did.

“It is a deserved victory, the lads did well and we also had some players back from injury, which means our medical staff is working well to get players in good shape. Those who came off the bench gave a big hand to those who needed it.”

Thiago Motta appreciates Juventus options

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Weston McKennie of Juventus scores his team’s second goal 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)

McKennie was making his comeback from injury and the substitute went on to score the second goal for Juventus, but some were surprised he did not replace Teun Koopmeiners for a more defensive approach.

“Weston can do everything,” assured Thiago Motta.

“It is difficult to take Koop off at the best of times, because he directs the team and transmits things we need, when to press and when to stay solid.

“Weston can do everything, he has unusual physicality, but also great technique, knows when to time his runs and can be even more dangerous when he comes in from behind, as we saw today and against PSV Eindhoven.

“We are fortunate to have players with these qualities, because he can give us different alternatives during a match. I am happy for him and all the players this evening.”

Check the Player Ratings for Juventus 2-0 Manchester City

Manchester City are the reigning Premier League title holders and were expected to be among the Champions League favourites, but are now struggling to make the play-offs.

“It was a very different match to Leipzig, for instance, with all due respect. We had to defend deeper, but the important thing was to attack in numbers when we won it back and get lots of bodies into the box, because if we have that, then Dusan doesn’t have all the focus on him,” continued Thiago Motta.

“He can make the difference in the penalty area, which is what he did today.”

Thiago Motta’s Juventus have struggled to find their identity so far this season, was this their best performance of his tenure so far?

“They are all different. We can play more open against a team with very different characteristics to Manchester City. The emotion we felt tonight was probably the best, because we were here with our fans and games like this is why we do this job.”

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli reiterated before kick-off that if they are to make any signings in January, they will be new defenders to replace Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.

“The important thing is that we are in sync, we know what we want to do, what we need at this moment. We must maintain the same philosophy and now concentrate on the next match, proving ourselves just the same way in every game,” concluded Motta.