Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus players took responsibility’ in 4-1 victory | OneFootball

Thiago Motta insists Juventus got a ‘deserved’ 4-1 victory against Empoli, coming back from an early goal with players ‘taking responsibility’ like Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz.

The final result really does not reflect the performances of the two teams, as Empoli were well worth their lead until the hour mark with Mattia De Sciglio left unmarked on an early corner.

However, Randal Kolo Muani scored twice in three minutes to turn it around, with Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao scoring off the bench in stoppages after Youssouf Maleh had left Empoli down to 10 men.

“We came here for the victory and I congratulate my players for their courage to get a deserved win,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“I saw many players take responsibility on the field today and we took home what we deserved. The players earned this with their hard work from the first day of training and we want to continue like this.”

Thiago Motta balancing Juventus talent

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus celebrates with teammate Kenan Yildiz after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

It was put to Thiago Motta that Kenan Yildiz was substituted by Vlahovic right when he was starting to take control of the game.

“I agree, we were on level terms and as soon as I called Dusan to the touchline, we scored again. I preferred to take Kenan off because he and Randal can both play down the left, so with another more central figure, we could move him into that position.

“Dusan also gave his contribution coming on, not just with the goal, but with his work for the team. I am sorry for those who were unable to participate in this victory, but we are a united group.”

Just before introducing him as a substitute, Thiago Motta was caught on camera telling Vlahovic he would certainly score.

“It’s because I can see it in his face,” revealed the coach. “I see his belief, his hunger and a little anger within him. Since the start of the season, he has played so much and there were times when he wasn’t 100 per cent fit, but had to play anyway.

“Today he did not start, but when he came on, he helped the team to win the game. I am happy for all the players, because this is a great win.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 4-1 Empoli

There was a marvellous bit of Kenan Yildiz skill to turn between defenders and get away in the build-up to the second goal, which got the crowd on its feet.

“Wonderful, yes, but this is what I expect from him, I see it all the time in training. There are many other things I really like to see too and he knows it. I realise he didn’t deserve to go off at that moment, but I needed to make a choice for the good of the team,” added Thiago Motta.

“He has worked on the right, centre, the left, midfield, he is helping so much. He’s very young and we have great faith in his future.”

This was a much-needed victory after back-to-back defeats to Napoli in Serie A and Benfica in the Champions League, also reflecting the importance of Kolo Muani’s arrival on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, as he has three goals in just two games.

Renato Veiga was also thrown straight into the starting XI just days after his loan move from Chelsea, bolstering an injury-hit defence that had Tim Weah unexpectedly moved to right-back.

“We know our priority is to pass our way out from the back when possible, as it keeps us compact and we can attack with strength. When there are opponents who press us almost man for man, like Empoli did today, it is important to use our strikers and their pace to cause them problems,” concluded Thiago Motta.