Motta addresses rumours he could have joined Milan and gives thoughts on the Rossoneri | OneFootball

Thiago Motta has claimed that he was never close to joining AC Milan, while he gave his thoughts ahead of tomorrow evening’s clash at San Siro.

Milan head into the game six points behind Juve in sixth, but then there are only two points between the Old Lady and Napoli in top spot. The Rossoneri have a game in hand too, but time is running out if they are to re-enter the Scudetto race.

Tomorrow’s game is full of sub-plots such as the return of Pierre Kalulu and the battle between Rafael Leao and Kenan Yildiz. There is one involving Motta too, who was heavily linked with the Milan job in the summer.

In the end he headed for Turin and the Rossoneri went for Paulo Fonseca, who has so far made an inconsistent start but with big wins like in the derby against Inter and away against Real Madrid.

Motta spoke at his pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium the day before his side take on the Rossoneri at San Siro, with his words relayed by TMW.

How are Juve heading into this match?

“Those who remained with us very well, we did some individual training and also a match against the under 17s which was very interesting. Those who returned seemed very well with the right desire to get back to tomorrow’s match immediately. Concentration and determination to play a great match tomorrow.”

More Stories / The Match

Motta addresses rumours he could have joined Milan and gives thoughts on the Rossoneri

22 November 2024, 13:15

‘When you feel the trust of the club’ – Kalulu opens up on swapping Milan for Juventus

22 November 2024, 12:25

GdS: Form, formations and depth – how Milan and Juventus approach the big clash

22 November 2024, 12:00

In place of Vlahović, will you put Weah ,Yildiz or is there someone in the squad who has characteristics more similar to Vlahović?

“All my players have different characteristics, regardless of whether they are strikers, central defenders or midfielders, and this is an interesting thing because it gives alternative solutions and it will be the same tomorrow.

“Dušan will definitely not be part of the group, as will Gleison, Nico, Arek, Douglas Cabal and Adzic. All the others available for tomorrow will start the match or come on during the match and help the team.”

Are you worried about all these absences? About Nico and Douglas?

“They are taking the time they need to stay with the team. The medical staff and the players are doing their best to get back to being available. I am focused on tomorrow’s match.”

Could tomorrow be a test of maturity?

“It’s a game where we all have to give something more. I’m really sorry for Juan. We’ll recover all the others first. Juan and Gleison will be out for a long time and we always have to give something more.”

How will your attacking style change?

“Injuries are part of the game. Now it’s Dusan’s turn. We’ll play our game attacking together and defending together. We have to do what suits us and not them.”

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

What do you think of Milan?

“They are a very strong team in transition. We must pay close attention to this, whether it is Leao, Morata, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic. We must always defend as a collective and never with 1vs1.”

Did you expect this performance from Kalulu?

“The most important thing is that he always wanted to come. From day one he made himself available to the group. He is capable of covering many positions in defense, because he is available and generous. He doesn’t speak much, but he does it in the right way. He must continue to work like this and nothing must change.”

Were you close to joining Milan? Will the game be decided on the flanks?

“I have never been close to Milan. The wings are very important, but we are also strong. The central area will also be important. We have to take the game on our side.”