Thiago Motta reveals Juventus tweak and ‘positive’ Vlahovic role

Thiago Motta reveals the tactical tweak that allowed Juventus to unpick Genoa in a 3-0 victory and why Dusan Vlahovic is growing into a ‘positive leader.’

In the second half, although there were no substitutions, there were some tactical tweaks from the 4-3-3 moving Pierre Kalulu to full-back, Teun Koopmeiners and Kenan Yildiz into more central roles behind Vlahovic.

“That is true. By cutting inside, Yildiz frees up room for our wide men to come forward, which is also more suited to the system that Genoa were playing. There also needs to be an understanding of what we need to do on the field and it was evidently much better in the second half,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“After taking the lead, naturally Genoa had to open up and press higher, which allowed us spaces to create many more scoring opportunities. It could’ve been a bigger scoreline.”

Did the coach tell the squad anything else to change their attitude during the half-time break?

“Aside from the tactical change, nothing. The players discussed what to do better and I am happy with the performance from everyone, including those who were on the bench and participated with their teammates, as they could be heard even more clearly without a crowd.”

The Bianconeri were in need of a boost after three consecutive 0-0 draws in Serie A and it looked as if this game played at an empty Marassi was going the same way during a sluggish first half.

However, Vlahovic broke the drought by converting a penalty – awarded for Koni De Winter’s handling offence – and then blasted in a second moments later on the Koopmeiners assist.

Francisco Conceicao completed the rout late on when a Koopmeiners dummy let the Khephren Thuram pass through.

Thiago Motta relishing Juventus solidity

This means Juventus have not conceded any goals in the first six Serie A games of the season, a new club record in the three points for a win era.

“It is an interesting statistic, it shows that this is a solid team and it starts with the strikers who help out,” continued Thiago Motta.

“Clearly, we have strong defenders, but it is a team effort and we kept a clean sheet thanks to the generosity of all the players who worked together. They are eager to first win the ball back and then defend our goal. That is an essential approach for an ambitious side.”

Vlahovic has been criticised for acting frustrated and irritable when failing to find the net, but Thiago Motta feels the striker is growing in that sense.

“I can see him as a positive leader, even when we are struggling, in his communication and body language, letting the teammates know what we need to do. At times he can be more in sync with them, but it is within him, he is very competitive, gives his all in training and on a matchday,” concluded Thiago Motta.

“I am pleased for him when he scores goals, but when I see him as in sync with the team as he was today, I am pleased even if he doesn’t score.”