Thiago Motta on ‘right’ red card, Juventus fight back and Manchester City | OneFootball

Thiago Motta admits his red card for dissent was ‘right’ and Juventus only clawed Bologna back for 2-2 after taking ‘more risks,’ but warns there is ‘no best moment to face Manchester City.’

It was far from a pleasant reunion with his old club, because the coach was sent off for dissent just before the Rossoblu doubled their lead at the Allianz Juventus Stadium with goals from Dan Ndoye and Tommaso Pobega.

Without their boss on the touchline, they fought back for a stoppage-time 2-2 draw thanks to Teun Koopmeiners and Samuel Mbangula.

“My players always have freedom, especially against a team that plays man for man,” insisted the coach on DAZN.

“It was almost game over after going 2-0 down, but my lads showed great heart to get it back on track and that is the positive. They kept going in difficult circumstances and managed to grab the point.”

Thiago Motta had to adjust Juventus system

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Samuel Mbangula of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Juventus and Bologna at Allianz Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Koopmeiners and Kenan Yildiz was in more advanced roles as the game wore on, so can this be a more direct approach in future?

“After going 2-0 down, naturally we had to run more risks and it was difficult for us to play out from the back against Bologna when they were pressing so high. I had said before the game too, we might need to go over the top and make the most of this advantage in the midfield to play three against three in their half.

“Naturally, in those situations, they are more likely to protect their defence and not go man for man.

“I would really like our defence to slip back and the midfield to remain in position. We’ve done different things over our characteristics, I think we can improve in every situation to raise the level of our performances.”

Thiago Motta was furious when sent off for dissent and is now heading for a touchline ban, so what happened?

“Marchetti was right to send me off today. I complained, I made a gesture I should not have done. I was over the top in my complaints.”

The fans seem to be losing patience with this Juventus side, jeering and chanting insults during the second half, recognising they are sliding further away from the top of the table after nine draws in their last 13 Serie A games.

They have shared the spoils in 11 of their 20 competitive matches this season and now prepare for a Champions League showdown with Manchester City. Is Thiago Motta satisfied?

“I don’t like to judge the work of others, so I leave it to you to judge my work. I keep working with these lads to improve our level, face our opponents in the best way and keep getting stronger.”

Considering Pep Guardiola’s men have won only one of their last nine games and were held by Crystal Palace today, is this the best time to face the Premier League holders?

“I don’t think there is a best moment to face Manchester City, but we will face it in our usual way, trying to limit their style of football, make the most of our own approach and use our strategies on the pitch.”