Motta on Yildiz substitution, ‘special’ McKennie and what Juve need from Douglas Luiz | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta admits Kenan Yildiz’s substitution was a ‘technical choice’ and praises ‘special’ Weston McKennie: ‘He’s a top-level player who can play everywhere.’

Juventus secured a 2-1 win over PSV in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff on Tuesday.

After a routine post-match interview, Motta analysed the Bianconeri’s performance at a press conference attended by Football Italia.

Several questions concerned USMNT midfielder McKennie, who had given Juventus the lead in the first half with a rocket goal.

“Weston is special, he’s a great player and a great guy,” Motta replied.

“He has played as a full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder and winger. He’s a top-level player. When I say that a top-level player can play everywhere, it’s because I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been in football for many years. When you ask where players should play, it’s not something that concerns me. Weston plays everywhere, and he has to be on the field. It’s hard for me to leave him out. Maybe not as a goalkeeper, but in every other position, it’s difficult to put him on the bench. That’s what being a top-level player means.”

Kenan Yildiz was subbed off during the break and replaced by match-winner Samuel Mbangula. Motta confirmed that Yildiz’s substitution was not tied to fitness issues.

Motta on Yildiz substitution, ‘special’ McKennie and what Juve need from Douglas Luiz

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus celebrates with teammate Kenan Yildiz after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“No, it was a technical choice,” said the Bianconeri boss.

Mbangula did score the winner for Juventus, but said at a post-match interview that he was unhappy with his performance.

“I’m happy that he’s not happy, it means he has ambition. I can imagine why. It’s part of the game. He made some mistakes in ball control, in dribbling, where fans can understandably react. He was disappointed,” said Motta.

“But it’s not just about the goal. I’m very satisfied, you can’t imagine how much. He presses the goalkeeper and the full-back, he runs back, and he counterattacks. He makes mistakes but keeps going. Then he scores. What can I say? He’s a 2004-born player, he was in the Next Gen team, and now he’s giving us a big hand. We need a player like him. He always works hard and has a great attitude. I’m happy that he’s not happy, it shows his ambition. He has a great mentality, and he proved it. And it’s even better when he scores as a forward.”

On the other hand, Douglas Luiz put in a confining performance after pushing Teun Koopmeiners to the bench.

“Douglas is in great shape, I really enjoy watching him play with this energy and his passion for the game,” said Motta.

“He is a strong player, and until now, he probably hasn’t been able to express his potential fully. He played an excellent game, genuinely excellent. Even in the last match against Como, he came on very well. Our midfielders can complement each other because they have different characteristics. They understand very well what is required of midfielders, but I also give them a lot of freedom in possession. They need that, and I’m satisfied with the game they played.

“I’m very happy with his performance, his quality, his intensity. We needed that. He has great personality and he can play the same way whether it’s in our stadium, under more pressure, or in a quieter setting like Como. He takes the ball with quality, attacks the box well,” Motta continued.

“We needed his intensity in the opponent’s area, his runs into the box, like when he nearly scored against Lazio. He’s a complete player. He hasn’t shown all of his qualities yet, but at the moment, I’m very pleased with his work. He has enormous potential. I’m not the one discovering that. He’s important for us. We have five key midfielders, they can all play together, and he is a very important player for us.”