Thiago Motta: ‘Nothing has changed for Chiesa, Juventus focused on Como’ | OneFootball

Thiago Motta has talked to Federico Chiesa, but ‘nothing has changed’ although the Juventus coach insists the Bianconeri are only focused on Como: ‘Step by step.’

Juventus make their 2024-25 Serie A debut against Como at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow, Monday, August 19, 2024.

“We can’t wait to play tomorrow, compete against the opponent and reach our target which is to make a great performance and get the result we want,” Motta said at a press conference.

“In life, like in football, nothing should be taken for granted. We are focused on ourselves and tomorrow’s game. We’ll meet a team that comes from Serie B, so they won many games to be here. They have great enthusiasm, so we have great respect for them. We want to compete and reach the result we want.

“The first step is to be competitive against Como and reach the result that we want. This is the first step of the many we have to take during the season. Step by step.

“First of all, the pre-season was good, and this week was good too. Tomorrow is the first home game, so we must maximise our enthusiasm and happiness, putting all our energy into this match. I am grateful. The lads and I feel privileged to live a moment like this, so we’ll use this energy to face our opponents.”

Weston McKennie had been training separately from the rest of the team this summer but has recently been reintroduced and could even sign a contract extension in Turin.

Motta will have only 14 first-team players available against Como and the rest will be promoted from the Next Gen squad, but the Juventus boss is not worried.

“McKennie is a valuable player for our needs. Tomorrow, we have 19 players available, and only 11 can play,” he said.

“I can make five substitutions, not more. We are fit; there have been good and intense training sessions this week. We are ready for tomorrow’s game.

Thiago Motta: ‘Nothing has changed for Chiesa, Juventus focused on Como’

“All the players coming tomorrow deserve to be involved with the team, playing from the start or coming off the bench.”

On the other hand, Chiesa continues working separately while waiting for offers from other clubs. When asked if the Italian’s situation has changed in recent days, Motta replied: “No, it hasn’t. I spoke with him internally. This proves my respect for all my players. I want to transmit transparency and clarity to my players. Nothing has changed.”

Motta insisted that he was “very” satisfied with the club’s transfer activity and that everyone is “working well to build a competitive team.”

Kenan Yildiz has just signed a new contract, taking the No.10 shirt.

“It’s a responsibility. We have a player who wears a historic No. for different reasons. We have a strong player with excellent quality and a culture of hard work,” said Motta.

“This is important and must be highlighted. He’s young, but he’s learned well. He has quality and has great respect for the job.”

Motta will meet Fabregas on the touchline. Both coaches share a past as Barcelona footballers. Does this mean that Como will also play attacking football?

“They’ve always played like that,” said Motta.

“Regardless of our experience, we’ll face a quality team with experienced players. Pepe [Reina], [Alberto] Moreno, [Andrea] Belotti. We have great respect for them, but we’ll try to bring the game to our side.”

Another USMNT international, Timothy Weah, has impressed during the pre-season.

“Weah can still improve in everything, but he is predisposed to do it,” argued Motta.

“I am not surprised. I knew him when he was very young, and now he is the right age to do well. Surely, he will help the team.”

What does he expect from Dusan Vlahovic?

“Vlahovic is working well and helping his teammates. We want to keep him tight. He can help us,” said Motta.

“He’s a great player, but all great players need the team. Our present is the group that faces Como tomorrow. I am really happy, and we have great energy to do great work tomorrow. All the rest doesn’t count.”

When Maurizio Sarri was appointed Juventus coach in 2019, he struggled to pass his ideas on to the team. Is Motta experiencing the same so far?

“No difficulties. It’s football. Each one of them knows their role. I see no problems at the moment. We have prepared the game well, and tomorrow, we face the game as we’ve always done.”

Fabio Miretti is currently injured so he won’t be available. Could he leave in loan before the end of the transfer window?

“Miretti won’t be with us tomorrow. He is working separately. We’ll talk about the rest when he’ll be part of the group,” Motta admitted.

“He has started the pre-season well, but unfortunately, he’s not part of the group for tomorrow.”