Motta, Locatelli knows PSV will be ‘a different kind of game’ than first meeting

As Juventus is preparing for Tuesday evening’s home game against PSV Eindhoven, which marks their participation in the first knockout phase ever in the new Look Champions League competition, manager Thiago Motta and Captain Manuel Locatelli Team Dynamics and the club’s long-term progression discussed.

Since this first stage of UCL-Play-off Round represents Juventus’ second Champions League-Matchup against PSV this season-the first one, with Biancooneri won 3-1 back in September in the league phase opener-much of the discourse during the press conference surrounded on Juventus would approach this game in a similar way.

Both Motta and Locatelli claimed that the PSV clashes by virtue of the game representing one of two legs, and since PSV has evolved significantly throughout the season, is likely to be a more challenging fixture.

“Tomorrow we play in front of our fans against a big opponent playing good football,” Locatelli said. “They are a young team that we have already faced, but it will certainly be another kind of game. It is a two -legged tie, but it will be important to start with the right approach and get a good result. Winning always helps it could give us a boost and we need to pay attention to our qualities. “

Motta repeated these feelings and argued that the problems they faced during their first view against the Dutch side may be reinforced on Tuesday night.

“PSV is a young team that plays good football and pushes high with great courage,” Motta said. “In September we suffered from their possession of the ball, so we have to be ready to meet every situation. We have deep respect for them and their coaches. To compete with them we need to be in top form. “

Furthermore, with regard to their plan against the current eggivisie leaders, Motta claimed that Juventus must remain steadfast in their gaming plan and tactics to deter PSV’s high press.

“We all know that this is a very important game for us. As our captain said, we always give our everything in training to be ready for these challenges, ”Motta said. “We play at home with the greatest respect for PSV, but we know we have to play our own game. Intensity, pace, dynamics: to defend and attack together to achieve our goal, which is to qualify. “

In addition, Locatelli proclaimed that the team is well prepared and that squeezing victory may depend on their ability to translate what they have practiced in training on the field.

“Tomorrow will be one of the most wonderful matches to play in because there will be an incredible atmosphere: We have prepared ourselves very carefully because we know we have to win at home,” Locatelli said. “It will be an intense fight, we will start strongly and ensure an important result.”

In addition, both coach and player Juventus’s long -term development and progression discussed so far. Both claimed that the team, as one that has changed form, got new members and lost others throughout the season has evolved and improved significantly.

Motta, who beamed with pride, said: “At Juventus, all matches are important, we no longer look forward, our focus is only on tomorrow’s games. This team has improved a lot. The important thing is the facts and our goal is to reach it to the last 16. Much has changed, especially in terms of the team’s resilience. I like it that the guys work and spend time together every day. Every game is very intense for me, football is a very emotional sport, but I am very calm today because I can see that the team is doing well. Tomorrow we will have to compete at the highest level. “

Similarly, Locatelli claimed, “We have grown a lot as a team, we are a good team now. We always train to the maximum, but we know there is still a lot of room for improvement. “

Finally, as one of Juventus’ breakout stars this season, and as the new consistent captain of the team, Locatelli talked about his personal progression and proclaimed his love for the club and the group of players surrounding him.

“For me, playing here is a dream come true and being a captain is a responsibility I feel every day,” Locatelli said. “On the field we are brothers, we fight together and we will give our all for this jersey. Being at Juve is a responsibility because you have to win right away, but working with guys like this makes everything easier. “