Thiago Motta: “Many absences, Juventus competitive even in difficulties”

Torino – Six absent, due to injuries and suspensions, and two recovered. The count of those present at Juventus in view of the direct clash with Lazio does not excite Thiago Motta, who in the presentation of the match handles the news almost with measured detachment: “I haven’t done the count yet, I’m sure you know better than me ”. Yet we will be missing big and important names, an uncertainty that will also characterize the approach to two other fundamental events this week, the one with Stuttgart in the Champions League and the Italian derby with Inter in the next round: “We won’t have Bremer, Milik, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez, McKennie and the suspended Conceicao. Weah and Beans? For tomorrow yes.”

Who are Juventus’ absentees against Lazio?

Six are absent, some of whom, like Koopmeiners, Gonzalez and Bremer, are difficult to replace due to their quality and effectiveness on the pitch. Despite this, the recipe does not change, to obtain a positive result we always go through the performance, from the concept of playing well expressed not only from an aesthetic point of view: “I want to see a good performance because that leads you to get the result, not just for aesthetics, I never wanted it. I blindly believe in the fact that teams that play well can win. Then it’s not always like this, but playing well means defending well, pressing well, regrouping, having the humility to defend like a block, having the ball and coming out from behind when the opponents don’t have the courage to come one on one, having the desire to attack spaces”.

Who will replace Koopmeiners?

Perhaps the heaviest absence, together with that of Bremer, is probably that of Koopmeiners due to his ability to provide quality in both phases and the tactical balance that depends on his position on the pitch. The side still hurts and we are trying to recover it for Tuesday against Stuttgart, another key step of the season which could guarantee greater serenity in Europe. The casting for the Dutchman’s replacement, with Fagioli available, seeing the blue and Douglas Luiz in the running, even if the centralization of Yildiz cannot be ruled out with the advancement of Cambiaso up front, perhaps bringing Weah in for the match underway on the right: “We must find the right balance between the offensive and defensive phases, to put our forward players in the best position to express themselves at their best. Above all that the team can function.” Douglas Luiz could start from the bench once again: “I spoke very little with him, but at the same time I saw a wonderful attitude in training, he’s really well. For these strong players like him, certain moments of difficulty are needed to see the reaction and I saw it. So far when he has played he has done well but he can do better. We’ll see tomorrow if he will start or have to participate, but I’m happy with him.”

Who can play in Vlahovic’s place

Nico Gonzalez and Milik injured, four games in ten days. The risk for Juventus is to overload Vlahovic with responsibility, the only center forward in the squad at the moment. Even if it is not the substitute but the concept of center forward that fascinates Motta: “I would like to think that Dusan is 100% in all the matches, but we know that this may not be the case. I’m thinking about tomorrow, he’s very well, he’ll play, and we’ll see day by day for the following games. Many could play in his place, it depends on how you see the center forward: fixed, moving. Everyone with their own characteristics can occupy that space.”

The direct clash with Baroni’s Lazio

Both at 13 points, Juventus and Lazio will give life to what, for the standings, is a direct clash in all respects. A position deserved by the Biancocelesti, according to Motta, not at all surprised by the start of the championship: “I expected it from Lazio, it’s a great team with good players and a great coach. They deserved their position, they are fine, Baroni is very experienced and has had many good seasons: I admire him very much and I congratulate him for the work he has done in the last two seasons, it wasn’t easy. A good opponent to challenge, to compete, and we must be ready for anything to win.” Even with all the difficulties between injuries and suspensions: “By having absences, others will have the opportunity to demonstrate their value. We must demonstrate that we are competitive even in difficult times.”