Thiago Motta thanks Juventus youth, but keeps Vlahovic under wraps | OneFootball

Thiago Motta believes a lot of thanks are owed to the Juventus youth sector and its staff given the recent development of Kenan Yildiz, Samuel Mbangula and Nicolo Savona, and has provided an injury update on his key players ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The Bianconeri coach sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League test in Belgium.

Click here to read what Teun Koopmeiners had to say.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

For the first time in several weeks, Juventus have a relatively clear injury list, as Dusan Vlahovic is expected to feature, and there could also be a return for Francisco Conceicao.

“I’m happy to have everyone available, because that will help the team from the start, in-game and will give us continuity moving forwards,” Motta told the press, reported via TMW.

Assessing his opponents, Motta said: “They are an excellent team given the results they have achieved. We are ready for anything and we want to put in a great performance to get the win.”

Thiago Motta gives Juventus injury updates and thanks Mbangula

The coach was not willing to disclose whether Vlahovic will play as a starter tomorrow, though.

“I can’t say. I made a technical choice on Saturday, even though he was back from the flexor problem. Now we have a lot of choices.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is challenged by Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“We look to adapt for each game. We’ve had a lot of good performances without reward so far. Dusan can also be mobile in attack, he knows how to play, he knows how to move and link up with his teammates. He can do what we saw against Milan.”

Motta is pleased with the development he has seen from his squad over the last few matches, and gave credit to Samuel Mbangula after his goal in the 2-0 win over Milan in Serie A.

“I see growth, but not only over the last few games I’ve seen growth from the beginning, despite injuries, transforming the squad and having a young team. The victory gave us more enthusiasm and more energy to prepare for a difficult game like the one tomorrow. We have to give our best to get the win.”

“We are happy because we got the win. But other games we’ve played even better but weren’t able to get the victory. I’m happy with our growth, now we need continuity.

And on Mbangula, he added: “His development has been very good. He was playing with the Next Gen team last year and we have to congratulate those who work in the youth sector, because we have him, Savona and Yildiz.

“Out of necessity, they have had to grow up very quickly since the beginning of the season. Mbangula, when he plays, has done very well and helped his team. It’s not the quantity, but the quality of the minutes that is important for us.”

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Samuel Mbangula of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Motta gave injury and fitness updates on his first team players and also gave an update on his own health.

“I have a bit of a cold, but I will be giving 200%, like the players, to have a good game. The goal is to win tomorrow, because there are two games left against two strong teams. We’ll see where we are after these games.”

“We’ll see tomorrow. Francisco (Conceicao) hasn’t played for a little while. We took Kenan (Yildiz) off to not take any risks. Weston had a bit of fatigue in the first half, you saw how he finished the game. The best possible team will take to the field tomorrow.”