Thiago Motta ‘self-critical’ but Juventus ‘on the right path’ | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta insists he’s ‘self-critical’, but the Bianconeri are ‘on the right path’ despite Champions League elimination against PSV.

Juventus return to the pitch on Sunday in an away game against strugglers Cagliari.

The Bianconeri suffered a 3-1 loss to PSV on Wednesday and were eliminated from the Champions League knockout playoff.

“After such a disappointment, the best thing to do is to get back on the pitch,” Motta said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday.

“We have a very tough match ahead; we know our opponent, the difficulty of the environment, and that we must put in a great performance.”

Motta and Manuel Locatelli had different views on Wednesday’s Juventus performance, and fans and the media questioned Motta’s tactical decisions.

“The communication remains the same. I’m self-critical every day. Every decision is made to get the best possible result at the moment,” insisted the coach.

Thiago Motta ‘self-critical’ but Juventus ‘on the right path’

epa11908410 Nicolas Ivan Gonzalez of Juventus FC goes for a header during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 2nd leg soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Juventus FC in Eindhoven, Netherlands, 19 February 2025. EPA-EFE/SEM VAN DER WAL

“The disappointment is real and huge. We thought we’d be in the Round of 16, but we weren’t good enough, and PSV did better. There’s nothing else to do but move on and focus on tomorrow. We have a busy week ahead with matches every three days, and we’ll give our all for the next game.”

Motta said Bremer, Cabal, Milik, Renato Veiga and Pierre Kalulu would not be available for the game in Cagliari.

“Today’s final training session will help assess the condition of those we have doubts about. But there’s no doubt that tomorrow’s lineup will take the field with full focus and commitment, as we always do,” the Bianconeri coach continued.

“It’ll be a tough match, and we have to restart.”

Motta was asked whether he had thought about his decisions in the game against PSV.

“I always do it. I don’t need a defeat to reflect on things,” he said.

“Every decision is made to get the best result at the moment. I respect different opinions, but I move forward in a straight line. I believe we are on the right path.”

This is also true for Kenan Yildiz, who started the last two games on the bench.

“Every choice is made to get the best result at the moment,” insisted Motta.

Does Dusan Vlahovic have a chance to start in Cagliari tomorrow?

“He has a chance to start, just like the others,” argued Motta.

“You’ve already seen him play alongside Kolo Muani. Every choice is made to maximize performance.”

Motta addressed the team on Friday and is convinced that the team will show the right attitude to bounce back on Sunday.

“They understand everything, and we give the maximum effort.

“The players are smart and capable; they know what we want. Sometimes, even without a huge difference, the opponent was superior. We talk with the players daily, and our next goal is to prepare well in today’s training session for tomorrow’s match.”