Kelly on ‘huge’ Juventus, defending style and talk with Thiago Motta | OneFootball

Lloyd Kelly’s move from Newcastle to Juventus was completed on deadline day and the English defender admits he will have to ‘adapt quickly’ to the transition, as he expects Italian football to be ‘different’.

The Bianconeri signed the centre-back on loan with an obligation to buy in a package worth €17.5m plus bonuses, suggesting they believe the player could prove an ideal addition to Thiago Motta’s side, whose defensive solidity was significantly affected by injuries in previous months.

Kelly described himself as a player who ‘loves defending’ and thrives on individual duels, traits that also belong to Gleison Bremer, the Old Lady’s defensive cornerstone who sustained a season-ending injury at the beginning of the season, forcing them to look for replacements on the transfer market.

Lloyd Kelly of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Wimbledon at St James’ Park on October 01, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Kelly: ‘Amazing’ to join Juventus, I want to ‘adapt’ to Thiago Motta’s football

“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this club, you know, the history behind it,” Kelly told Juventus TV in his first interview for the club.

“The club as a whole is huge in Italy, I think every player knows what it means to wear this jersey, and I’m representing this club, so I’m delighted to be here and just can’t wait to get started and hit the ground running, really.

“I’d describe myself as a player who wants to get on the ball, who loves defending – the one vs one duels, I thrive on those situations.

“I put my body on the line and as a defender, you want to keep clean sheets, so that’s another aim of mine. I’m someone who gives the full self in training and in games and I’m just looking forward to getting it started.”

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on ahead of the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Kelly said he only had a ‘brief conversation’ with new coach Thiago Motta, but is willing to adapt to Juventus’ playing style, which requires defenders to be involved as the team tries to build from the back.

“Yes, I spoke to him this morning,” the 26-year-old said.

“It was just a brief conversation because it was a busy morning so I’m sure we’ll have another time to sit down and go through a lot of things.

“Of course it’s a quick transition, so I want to adapt to the football, the playing style, the way he wants to play and the way he wants his players to play for this club. There’ll be many conversations to have.

“I’m excited. Of course, it’s going to be different, I’m going to have to adapt quickly but I’m looking forward to the challenge, I never say no to a challenge, so it’s something I’ll put my heart in. I’m sure we’ll be able to strive for good things for my time here.”