Motta: Milan game an opportunity to secure a Champions League place

With Juventus sitting just outside the Champions League positions in fifth place, Saturday night’s historic matchup against AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium represents an opportunity for the Bianconeri to strengthen their bid for the top four or risk being dragged further down the table if they fail to secure a positive result.

Juventus manager Thiago Motta claimed the match, which comes just two weeks after the Supercoppa semi-final defeat to Milan, and more generally a string of draws which have plagued the club’s season, represents an important opportunity to gain some confidence. and momentum.

“I think the performance in the reverse game against Milan was due to the way we approached that game,” Motta said during Friday’s press conference. “We are not satisfied with the number of games we have drawn. I want to repeat that we want to be higher in the table and we are working every day to win. Tomorrow against AC Milan at home we aim to do just that the.”

What’s more, Motta stressed that while Saturday night’s game is another challenge in a long and arduous season, the match could represent a turning point in their fight for European football next season.

“We want to break into the Champions League places in the table and we have a great opportunity to do that against AC Milan, an opponent we respect, as we do all our opponents,” said Motta. “However, after tomorrow’s game we will still be a long way from the end of the season. It promises to be a good test.”

Furthermore, Saturday’s game also comes in the middle of the January transfer window, where Juventus have made some moves, including the signing of full-back Alberto Costa from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimares to bolster their backline, and the expected loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani on loan. from Paris Saint-Germain to bolster their attack and provide some relief to the overworked Dusan Vlahovic.

Additionally, Andrea Cambiaso is heavily the subject of transfer rumors at the moment, with Premier League side Manchester City reportedly interested in securing his signature in January. Man City are expected to make a bid of around €65 million for Cambiaso.

Regarding these players, Motta commented on their progress and whether they would be available for tomorrow’s game.

“I was impressed with Alberto, he has brought great energy and enthusiasm, he is another player who can help the group,” said Motta. “Cambiaso is fit and will play tomorrow. I am happy with the arrival of Kolo Muani, we are just waiting for some final pieces of paperwork to complete the transfer: if everything goes according to plan, he will be with us tomorrow, otherwise we will have him from the next game.”

Finally, Motta commented on the team’s progress as a whole, especially after their tough game against third-placed Atalanta just this week, claiming that “The squad is doing well, the team has recovered from the game against Atalanta and trained well. the last few days.”

Furthermore, he also spoke about which of the club’s existing players will be in the squad, including Vlahovic, who has been out with a minor injury for the past two games, and he reiterated which players remain on the club’s extensive injury list.

“(Saturday’s) starting goalkeeper will be (Michele) Di Gregorio, also because (Mattia) Perin was not able to train today because of a problem he had yesterday, but we hope to have him in the squad tomorrow. I’m generally very happy with the way all three of our goalkeepers are preparing for each challenge, says Motta. “Vlahovic will be in the group tomorrow, he’s been training well for the last few days. Dusan has been left out of the last two games to give him time to recover, but as I said he will be in the squad for the match against AC Milan. Those absent will be (Gleison) Bremer, (Juan) Cabal, (Arkadiusz) Milik and ( Francisco) Conceição. All others are available.”