Thiago Motta: ‘More Juventus bodies in the box’ and midfield picks | OneFootball

Thiago Motta saw some progress from Juventus in their 2-1 Champions League play-off victory over PSV Eindhoven, especially ‘getting bodies into the box,’ but defends his midfield choices.

The Bianconeri found it tough going in Turin, as after the Weston McKennie scorcher into the roof of the net opened the scoring on a rare Federico Gatti foray forward, former Inter winger Ivan Perisic told Lloyd Kelly a dummy to equalise.

With eight minutes to go, Francisco Conceicao burst down the right and his effort was parried into the path of fellow substitute Samuel Mbangula.

There were some protests from Juve about the equaliser, suggesting Noa Lang had handled in the build-up, but the VAR review found no reason to intervene.

These sides met in the opening league phase game here in September 2024 and Juve emerged 3-1 winners, a significantly different performance.

“Many things have changed, including the importance of the match, that it’s over 180 minutes rather than one-off,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is a victory, a step in the right direction, but we need to be at the maximum level in the second leg too in order to face an attacking side that presses and plays really good football. We will be ready to achieve our objective, which is to carry on in the Champions League.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 2-1 PSV Eindhoven

Thiago Motta on where Juventus must still improve

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus is challenged by Ivan Perisic and Ryan Flamingo of PSV Eindhoven during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Juventus and PSV at Allianz Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

In the studio, Fabio Capello pointed out that on the two goals, Juve had more players pushing forward and joining in the attack than we’ve seen so far this season.

“I agree it was a very balanced match and we have certainly improved in bringing more bodies into the box,” replied Thiago Motta.

“We are constantly working on this, both at home and away, as we need to attack the penalty area and too often we haven’t had enough support in those situations. We did a bit better tonight, we discuss it every day, the more bodies in the box and the better the chance you will score.

“We have a very attacking full-back in Timothy Weah, but also three midfielders, three strikers, all players who must attack the box, because that’s where you can score goals.”

Dusan Vlahovic came on for the final 13 minutes only, though despite dropping down the pecking order with the arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, he fought hard and earned applause from the fans.

“All the players who came off the bench had the right attitude, we need them because we need 95 minutes at a top level, so those who start and those who come on must keep it going,” assured Thiago Motta.

“This sport is about the collective and when I talk about individuals, then I am the one who needs to improve. I always said it, I lead this team, I have to explain to them many things and explain them better.

“The attitude is the foundation of this profession, it is the basis of everything. They can all contribute in different ways depending on their characteristics, but it is a team sport and we must never forget that.”

Thiago Motta seems to have settled upon a regular starting XI at last in many areas, but not in midfield, where Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram are constantly chopping and changing as partner to Manuel Locatelli.

“I don’t think it creates confusion. We are Juventus, we play every 2-3 days, so it is important to keep the level up. We have five excellent midfielders and at the moment Weston is playing more because he has different characteristics to the other four, but they all know what to do, whether they are starting or coming off the bench.

“We need to increase the intensity of the movement, our dynamism with the ball, our pressing on the opponents, because we saw tonight a team that plays good football and cannot be allowed time on the ball.

“Whoever is in the best shape will play, but it is always for the good of the team and the good of Juventus,” concluded Thiago Motta.

It gives Juve a third consecutive victory in all competition, the first time they have managed this under Thiago Motta, and a narrow advantage going into the second leg on Wednesday February 19.