Thiago Motta reveals Douglas Luiz unavailable again for ‘special’ Juventus vs Torino

Douglas Luiz had returned to the Juventus squad for a Champions League game against Lille earlier this week, but will once again be unavailable in the derby della Mole on Saturday, Thiago Motta said.

Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, one of Juventus’ biggest summer signings, won’t be available for the Bianconeri against city rivals Torino on Saturday.

“Following my request to the player and the medical staff, Douglas came with us to the latest game against Lille to accelerate his return to action,” Motta said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Yesterday, he still didn’t feel 100% fit during training, so I decided we wouldn’t take any risk. We’ll see if he’ll be available for the next games.

“Nico Gonzalez is still unavailable, we’ll see for the next matches. Arek [Milik] and Bremer still need time as you know.

Thiago Motta reveals Douglas Luiz unavailable again for Juventus vs Torino

“Adzic had a minor issue today and must be assessed. He won’t be available tomorrow. The others are available.”

Juventus are still unbeaten in Serie A but sit sixth in the table and were held to a 1-1 draw by Ligue 1 side Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Motta feels confident about the upcoming derby clash.

“I have good feelings because I see the team well,” he said.

“They have the appropriate commitment going into this game. It will be a special atmosphere for us and the fans. We want to push for a great match.

“It’s an intense experience for the city and us. We want to perform great and bring the game on our side tomorrow.

“We had three days to rest, and it’s important because it can make a difference,” he continued.

“I see confidence and commitment from everyone. We’ll be 200% focused on the match, both the starters and those involved from the bench.”

Earlier this week, club legend Leonardo Bonucci returned to Continassa to visit some of his ex-teammates.

“Leo and I spoke about many things, including his perspective on the future,” Motta said.

“He has completed the coaching course. We had a conversation about football and how things work in this job, which could be different from what he had experienced as a player. I’ve known him for a long time. We played together with the national team, and it was an honour to receive his visit.”

The Bianconeri have been struggling since Gleison Bremer sustained a knee injury last month, but their defence remains the least-beaten in the league.

“We are working well in defence, individually and collectively,” the Bianconeri boss noted.

“We can still improve defensively, everybody, not just the defenders. We have the appropriate commitment and that’s the starting point for outstanding performances.”

Motta played many derbies as a player, including those of Milan and Genoa.

“I feel privileged because I played for great clubs and lived in great cities. Today, I am still privileged; I’m at a top club and live in a beautiful city,” he said.

“Every derby is special. One always wants to win games, but this is special, so we must enter the pitch with the right attitude to do things the right way and have the emotive balance to overcome adversity.

“The past doesn’t count. Tomorrow matters, and we must be ready to compete against anyone. We want to dominate proceedings and avoid problems with counter-attacks. We need an excellent performance to get the result we want.”

The ex-Italy international was asked which characteristics he wants to see in the Juventus captain, given that he has already changed it five times this term.

“He must have everything. The armband is extraordinary. Whoever wears it must be an example, and these players have done it because they have the characteristics of group leaders,” he replied.

Lastly, he spoke about Italy international Manuel Locatelli, who’s become a regular starter.

“It’s his merit. He was not happy when he was not playing, but he reacted with positivity and a desire to fight,” noted Motta.

“He responded correctly, and I think he can do even more. He wants to play and has healthy competition in training. He wants to prove that he can be a starter, and he does so because he deserves it.”