“Fantastic attitude” – Motta praises three Juventus players following Napoli clash | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta had mixed feelings about the final result against Napoli, but reserved special praise for three of his players.

The Bianconeri were riding on high morale following Wednesday’s convincing 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League opener.

However, it was more of the same on the domestic front, as the team settled for a third goalless draw in a row.

The Italo-Brazilian tactician admitted his team was lacking something in the final third, an aspect they must improve sooner rather than later.

“We performed well in transition, but then we have to do better by committing more men forward,” said the coach in his post-match press conference as published by the official Juventus website.

“It was difficult to find space in the final third today, against a team that defends very well. We are not happy with the result.

“We put in a good performance but certainly not enough to win the game.

Motta then applauded his new signings Pierre Kalulu and Teun Koopmeiners who managed to swiftly assimilate with the team.

“[Pierre] Kalulu and [Teun] Koopmeiners only recently joined the club, but they have a fantastic attitude.

“What they’re doing on the pitch is exemplary.”

The manager also heaped praise on Manuel Locatelli who is coming into his own as a deep-lying playmaker.

“[Manuel] Locatelli had a great game today. He trains well and always communicates with his teammates.

“Manu is always focused on what he has to do, that’s why he’s always playing as a starter.”

Motta was asked about Dusan Vlahovic who was taken off at halftime and replaced by Timothy Weah.

“The substitutions are the result of the analyses that me and my staff do during the match; I have to analyze the matches and understand what to do.”