Yahoo Sports Motta confirms Vlahovic out against Torino, Juventus transfers not a priority
Juventus coach Thiago Motta confirms Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceiçao will miss tomorrow’s derby against Torino and insists January transfers are not a priority.
Juventus visit their city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole on Saturday, January 11.
During his pre-match press conference, Motta said Vlahovic and Conceiçao would be among the unavailable players alongside Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arkadiusz Milik and the suspended Manuel Locatelli.
Motta hinted that the latter would become the new Juventus captain once he returns to action.
Due to muscle injuries, Vlahovic and Conceiçao have been training separately.
“We know how important this game is,” said Motta.
Motta confirms Vlahovic out against Torino, Juventus transfers not a priority
“We expect a complicated match, as we saw in the first-leg game. It’s a special match for us and our fans and we can’t wait to go onto the pitch.”
Juventus are still unbeaten in Serie A but have collected 11 draws in 18 matches and are three points below the top four with a game in hand, which they will play away at at Atalanta next week.
“We concede goals because of some errors and for the opponents’ merit,” continued Motta.
“What we need to win games is to commit as few errors as possible, create more and be more clinical. This is the way. We must improve in training every day to be ready.”
Without the suspended Locatelli, Douglas Luiz could get a chance in the middle of the park tomorrow.
“He is a high-level midfielder who can play in the three positions we use,” said Motta.
“He can score goals and provide the final pass, he has creativity, and he knows how to build up. He can do more defensively, like everyone else. He can cover three positions and have freedom in a context.”
Fans and pundits have criticised Motta after hearing from the Juventus coach that winning must not be an obsession.
“We know very well that the need is to win,” Motta clarified.
“I said that I’ve chosen this work because I want to win, which I have already done in the past.
“There’s no controversy; I’ve already said we know the priority is to win. To get there, you need a lot of work, especially nowadays.”
Motta refused to answer further questions on Danilo, who has been frozen out, saying that he was already “very clear” in the past and insisted that new signings are not a priority.
“Our main aim is a big performance tomorrow. It’s an important game for the fans and us,” he concluded.
