Thiago Motta insists he relies on Vlahovic also for Juventus ‘future’ | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta insists he and the club rely on Dusan Vlahovic ‘also for the future’ and doesn’t think the Bianconeri are favourite against PSV tomorrow.

The Bianconeri will host PSV in the first leg of the Champions knockout playoff on Tuesday. Andrea Cambiaso didn’t train with the rest of the team today and Motta confirmed the Italian would be ruled out of the game. The same goes for Pierre Kalulu. The Frenchman is recovering from a muscle injury, while Cambiaso is dealing with an ankle problem.

“It’s an important challenge. I don’t need to say it; we know it, you know it,” Motta said at a press conference on Monday, as quoted by Ilbianconero.com.

“It’s a big challenge for us, a great match that we must play at our best. The boys, as the captain said, are fully committed to always being ready for these kinds of matches, working hard while always respecting our opponent.

“We’ll be playing at home, and we’ll always try to take control of the game with intensity, dynamism, defending, and attacking together. We need a complete performance to achieve our goal, which is qualification,” continued Motta.

“PSV are a young team, like us. They are strong going forward and apply great initial pressure with courage. We had some very good moments in the previous match. We were clinical but struggled with their passing, possession, and full-backs pushing forward from deep.”

Juventus already met PSV in the league phase, beating the Dutch side 3-1 in Turin in September. However, many things have changed since.

“Their midfielders, regardless of who plays, can make dangerous runs,” continued Motta.

“We know this, and tomorrow, we must be ready to handle these situations on the pitch. I see the boys in good shape, focused, and aware of what needs to be done to win tomorrow.

Thiago Motta insists he relies on Vlahovic also for Juventus’ future’

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“They play very good football, and we are fully focused on the match. We saw it in the last game, even if it’s not the best example, this group’s resilience has grown a lot.

“We managed to win without playing well, which is a positive sign of resilience; winning without being the better team is valuable. Tomorrow, however, we need a different kind of match, a complete performance to compete against a strong team and secure the final victory.”

Juventus host PSV on the back of a 2-1 win over Como on Friday.

“The great challenge is to keep improving. We played a great match against PSV, but many things have changed here and there,” argued Motta.

“Tomorrow is a different story. We are focused on doing our job, stepping onto the pitch determined, concentrated, bringing intensity and quality to overcome our opponent.

“To win, you must be superior, and often PSV has been superior. The match against Ajax was one of high quality and intensity,” added Motta.

“They lost 3-2, but they could have won. I greatly respect and admire how they play, always consistent with their philosophy. Everyone has their own approach, and our belief is that surpassing the opponent, not just in possession but in all aspects, gives you a greater chance of winning.

“Football is about seeking pleasure and emotions. I love my job, what I do, seeing the team play well, attacking. It’s about creating a football atmosphere. Tomorrow has all the right ingredients. Today, I’m very calm. We know what to avoid. And tomorrow, we must compete at the highest level against a strong opponent. We can play a great match and win.”

Teun Koopmeiners has been struggling to justify his €60m price tag and Como scored against the Old Lady on Friday by stealing the ball from the Dutchman on the edge of the Old Lady’s box.

“Nothing negative about him. You’ve written and spoken about it, but that’s normal,” said Motta.

“I’ve always seen him doing well. I’ve been very happy with him from day one. He always trains at full intensity. He has played different roles, performed well, and continues growing. I’m very satisfied and convinced that everyone can still give more, but I’m happy with Koop’s work so far.”

On the other hand, January signing Randal Kolo Muani has had a fantastic impact in Turin, scoring five goals in his opening three appearances.

“He has done very well, but so have his teammates,” said Motta.

“This is a collective, a team; an individual alone doesn’t go anywhere. Randal knows that, and with his qualities, he always helps the team, which raises the group’s level, just as many others have done. He is doing well because his teammates are also doing well, supporting him in both phases of the game.”

His impressive performances have pushed Dusan Vlahovic to the bench. The Serbian didn’t even warm up against Como on Friday, but Motta insisted he would continue to rely on him.

“I see him in great shape, just like everyone else. They’re all motivated and determined. Tomorrow, as usual, we have many players, but not everyone can play, even though they all want to. Whether they play 95 minutes, 15, or 30, they know that in a season, the quality of minutes matters more than quantity. Dusan has already done a lot, and I’m sure that if he plays tomorrow, he will contribute. We count on him for the future as well.”

Are Juventus favourites against PSV tomorrow?

“No, I don’t think so. Even if I did, it wouldn’t matter,” the Bianconeri boss replied.

“We can talk before the game, but that means nothing. What matters are the minutes played.”