Thiago Motta takes responsibility for Juventus’ defeat and refuses to rule out new signings

Juventus coach Thiago Motta takes responsibility for a 2-0 loss against Benfica and refuses to rule signings new players in the final day of the January transfer window.

The Bianconeri have qualified for the Champions League knockout playoff despite a 2-0 loss to Benfica in Turin on Wednesday.

It’s a disappointing result as the Bianconeri hoped a victory would pave the way for a straight qualification to the Round of 16. Furthermore, they had recently lost their first Serie A match against Napoli last week.

“We must improve quickly. Today, we missed creating something in the final third,” Motta said at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia.

“We faced a team that deserved to win. We must improve quickly and recover players for Sunday.”

Juventus will host Empoli at the Allianz Stadium in the next Serie A round.

“We didn’t deserve to win today. Benfica created more chances than us,” continued Motta.

“We must improve quickly because we have another game on Sunday. Today’s first half was tough, even though Samuel [Mbangula] had a good opportunity to take the lead.

“In the second half, we didn’t do enough to cause trouble for Benfica, and they deserved to win.”

Benfica were particularly dangerous on counter-attacks, and Juventus were often exposed.

“We must manage these situations better,” said Motta.

“We must go forward when we go down, so we had to play openly today. We didn’t do what we wanted. If you can create and finalise well, it’s a way to prevent the opponents from attacking. Surely, re-aggression must be better. We are the first ones to be unhappy. It’s the second consecutive defeat; we are not satisfied, and there is just one way to bounce back: recover for the next game and win it.”

Pierre Kalulu was forced off the pitch early in the first half with a suspected muscle injury.

“Let’s see how he feels. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and he can return with the group for the next match. I think it’s difficult, but let’s see,” said Motta.

“I don’t want excuses. Now, we must focus on the next game to win.”

A reporter asked Motta why Juventus strikers didn’t look confident enough tonight.

“We win and lose as a team; I won’t discuss single players,” he replied.

“This is my responsibility. The lads always try to give their best.”

The last question was on the market and whether Juventus could sign an experienced defender in the last days of the January window.

“We monitor who could improve the team, but I won’t discuss transfers after a defeat or before a game,” Motta replied.

“We are on the same page. We know what this team needs, and our philosophy is only to buy players who can improve the team.”