Thiago Motta: Juventus Must Aim Higher After 1-1 Draw with Atalanta

Following Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Atalanta, coach Thiago Motta expressed mixed emotions about his team’s performance. While praising the players’ efforts, he emphasized that a draw is not satisfactory for a club of Juventus’ stature.

The match saw Juventus take the lead through Pierre Kalulu, only for Mateo Retegui to equalize for Atalanta. Despite missing several key players, including all available strikers, Juventus put in a strong showing but couldn’t secure the win.

Motta, who watched from the stands due to suspension, commended his team’s spirit and tactical flexibility. He highlighted Weston McKennie’s versatility and Kenan Yildiz’s impact, while also addressing the team’s struggles with converting draws into wins.

The result leaves Juventus unbeaten after 20 Serie A rounds, but with 13 draws, they now trail third-placed Atalanta by nine points. This represents a significant 15-point deficit compared to their position at the same stage last season.

Looking ahead, Motta remained cautious about Dusan Vlahovic’s availability for the upcoming match against Milan, prioritizing the player’s full recovery. He also refrained from commenting on transfer rumors, including reports of Randal Kolo Muani’s potential loan move from Paris Saint-Germain.

As Juventus continues to navigate a challenging season, Motta’s message is clear: while the team’s performances are improving, they must strive for better results to climb the Serie A table.