Juventus will face Aston Villa away from home tomorrow, Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 21:00 (CEST), in the UEFA Champions League.
Coach Thiago Motta and Andrea Cambiaso spoke to the press ahead the challenge against the English side, which will be Matchday Five of the Champions League, league phase.
ANDREA CAMBIASO
"Personally, I feel very good. Playing is the best part of this sport, so I can say that it is a pleasure to get on the pitch so often.
“I am a big football fan, in general. I also follow the Premier League and I think it is a very competitive league, with a lot of very good teams. Tomorrow, in this regard, we will face a strong team and we will have to be composed and concentrated throughout the match. The game in Birmingham will see two teams who want to play their style football, it will be a good game.
“The challenge against Aston Villa will have the same importance as the first four teams we faced. There isn't one match more important than the others, they all count towards qualification for the knockout phase. We are a small squad, we’re aware of that, but everyone is fully available for the coach. We know that injuries are part and parcel in our line of work.
“I'm happy to set an example for the younger players. I feel the responsibility, I like having it and I like trying to improve every day to make them understand that there is always room for development.”
THIAGO MOTTA
"Tomorrow we will face a great team. A team that is in good form, especially in this competition. We will go into the game with great humility, determined to play our game and with respect our opponent as always. I am always positive, I have great confidence in my players who show every day that they are ready to compete and give everything.
“The new Champions League format? I like it because you have the chance to face different teams and, consequently, it allows you to prepare for each match differently. You face more opponents with different footballing ideologies to yours and this aspect helps you to develop a lot as a team.
We put in a good performance against Milan, controlling the game well and not allowing the Rossoneri to get going. Tomorrow we'll play against a team that is very good in transition. We won’t be able to leave space for their midfielders, we'll have to work together both in defence and attack. Tomorrow, being first to the loose balls could play a very important role in the match.
“[Unai] Emery? Like all the coaches I have had, I tried to listen and learn from him too. His career is well documented. He is a coach who has been at a high level for a long time, he deserves it because he has always been consistent in his work and he is continuing to reap the rewards for his effort.
“If Timothy (Weah) plays tomorrow night through the middle of the attack I am sure he will put in a great performance, and the same goes for whoever occupies that position on the pitch.”