New Juventus coach Thiago Motta gave his first official press conference, and spoke about his plans for the season ahead. The new Bianconeri coach has already been working for several days at Continassa to prepare for the new season and spoke with the gathered press:
“I thank Maurizio and Cristiano and also your presence. I am happy and glad. I am satisfied to be the coach of this historic and ambitious club. I am convinced that we can start an interesting cycle. I found a beautiful and well-prepared work structure. I also thank our fans for the warm welcome.”
On objectives: “I want the team to be proud and happy after every match. We must give our best. As I said before, it is an ambitious and historic club. An important cycle is beginning. Objectives? What I have in mind is to prepare well. We must concentrate fully to have a good preparation. We must be ready to face every team.”
“The next three years will be approached day by day. We will try to play as many matches as possible because that means the team is doing well. The concept of winning? I completely agree, as in all great teams. I feel the responsibility I have but it is beautiful. I want to give my best and I want to try to convey the enthusiasm I have inside.”
On individuals: “Vlahovic is a great player but talent needs the team. I have no doubt that both he and many players we have will have a great season. Yildiz? He seemed like a fantastic guy to me. From what I’ve seen, he can play any role: he just needs to improve.”
On the coaches he had: “On the concept of winning I completely agree, then we will extend it. Mourinho and Gasperini are very capable coaches. I was lucky to work with them and many other coaches who also conveyed the passion for coaching. I took a bit from everyone but today I have my own idea.”
On Chiesa: “Chiesa? Here at Juventus, we only have strong players. The same goes for Vlahovic.”
On the choice of many captains at Bologna: “Danilo and the many captains at Bologna? He is a great captain. I would already like to have him with us but he needs to rest now. I am happy to have him as a captain and then when we are together we will evaluate.”
On Rabiot’s departure: “Adrien, I am happy if he will be happy elsewhere. I certainly wish him the best.”
Motta then continued: “We must prepare at this moment and be focused on having a good preparation. Trequartista? For me, midfielders must do everything: defend, attack, score. Here we only have strong players. Miretti? He is young, he is an excellent player, and is focused on work. Yesterday he signed a great responsibility, not a contract. I am happy he is with us and he will give us a hand.”
On the squad: “All the players we have here are strong and I don’t say that just to say it. They don’t all have to be adaptable to one type of game. Phenomena are also fine in a specific role. Douglas Luiz? He is a great player. He had an important season going to the Champions League. He played all the matches and scored: he is a complete player and will adapt easily. I see him both higher up and lower down. Seeing the teams we will face, he will also play as a defender.”
On the past and on Koopmeiners: “The past remains there: we have to look at it but not think about it anymore. When the championship, Champions League, Cup, and other competitions start, we have to face them at our best. Koopmeiners? He is not my player, I don’t talk about players from other teams.”
On the Next Gen players: “They will give us a great hand. In the first team, we will be 23-24 starters. There will be great healthy competition among them. Adzic? He is a very interesting player, regardless of his age. He is training well. He has great physical strength, good technique, and mentally he looks very prepared. It will only depend on him if he plays with us or not.”
