Preparation for Atalanta
Juventus coach Thiago Motta addressed the media before the important Serie A match against Atalanta. He mentioned that the team had a productive week of training and the players are well-prepared for the challenge against Atalanta, who are currently ahead of Juventus in the league standings.
Focus and Determination
Motta stressed the importance of focusing solely on the upcoming game and understanding the high level of competition Atalanta presents. He wants his team to perform at their best to secure a victory, which is their primary objective. He highlighted their mental, technical, and physical preparation, emphasizing a game-by-game approach.
Respect for Gasperini and Atalanta
Motta expressed great respect and admiration for Atalanta’s coach, Gasperini, acknowledging his significant contributions to football both nationally and internationally. He recalled a personal anecdote where Gasperini, as his former coach, helped him regain his passion for the game after an injury. Motta recognizes Atalanta as a strong team with a capable coach and talented players, making the upcoming match a tough challenge, especially considering past encounters at home.
Atalanta’s Unique Style
Motta described Atalanta’s playing style as distinctive, not just because of their man-to-man marking but also their overall approach, experience, and high pressing. He noted their ability to adapt their marking strategies, making them a difficult opponent to play against. He emphasized the need for Juventus to play well in possession and manage moments of pressure and frustration that Atalanta might create.
Koopmeiners’ Importance
When asked about Koopmeiners, Motta praised his significant contribution to the team, highlighting his goals and overall performance. He mentioned that criticism is part of football and should be accepted as motivation to improve. Motta values Koopmeiners as a crucial player both on and off the field, appreciating his versatility, commitment, and positive impact on the team’s performance.
Yildiz’s Potential
Regarding Yildiz, Motta acknowledged his progress and potential for improvement in all areas – physical, technical, and mental. He sees Yildiz as a young, humble, and dedicated player with significant room for growth. Motta emphasized that while the coaching staff provides guidance, the player’s willingness to learn and improve is key to his development.
Need to Concretize Chances
Motta pointed out the need for Juventus to be more clinical in converting their chances. He recognized Atalanta’s strength in limiting opponents in scoring areas and emphasized the importance of creativity, individual skill, and persistence in attack to increase their goal conversion rate.
Solid Defense as a Collective Effort
Motta praised Juventus’ solid defense, highlighting it as a collective effort involving not just defenders and goalkeepers but also forwards and midfielders. He credited the entire team’s contribution to their defensive solidity through pressing and teamwork, emphasizing that their defensive record is a result of team unity and sacrifice.
Winning Mentality
Motta stated his preference for winning and emphasized that while dominating games is ideal, securing victory is the ultimate goal, regardless of the performance style. He believes in thorough preparation, both during the week and on match day, to maximize their chances of winning. His primary focus is always on achieving victory.
Managing Pressure
Motta discussed the pressure of playing for a big team like Juventus and how it can sometimes hinder performance if it becomes too heavy. He encouraged his players to balance responsibility with enjoyment of the game, emphasizing that football is still a game and should be approached with enthusiasm and a willingness to take risks. He expressed confidence in his team’s commitment and determination to achieve their goals, hoping for a great performance against Atalanta played with responsibility but also freedom.
Lessons from Past Coaches
Motta reflected on the influence of various coaches throughout his career, including Gasperini, Mourinho, Ranieri, Benitez, Van Gaal, and Ancelotti. He mentioned learning different aspects of coaching from each, including tactics, management, and philosophy. He emphasized that while different philosophies exist, the ultimate aim is to win, and all these coaches have contributed to his development. He and his team are focused on their own path to success, aiming for victory as the best outcome.
Focus on the Next Match
Motta reiterated that their current philosophy remains unchanged, with a strong focus on the immediate next match. He stated that they are not diverting energy to think about anything beyond the Atalanta game. The entire week’s preparation has been dedicated to this match, and the team’s mindset is solely on performing well and securing a victory tomorrow.