Following on from a positive start to the season last Monday, Coach Thiago Motta outlines his objectives looking forward and gives his thoughts ahead of the away match in Verona.
FROM COMO TO HELLAS VERONA
“The team is doing well, it has been a good week of work, and the squad have kept their feet on the ground after the first league game. Tomorrow we face a team that is in good form, coming off the back of a victory over Napoli, who are title challengers. Verona battle well, play good football, pose a threat on the counter-attack and have a clear game plan. Every match is a different story.
“What did I take from the victory over Como? Three points, which is the most important thing and which are the reward for a job well done, especially in our defensive organisation and reading of the game. But now we have to think about the next match, which will be complicated like all Serie A matches.
TRANSFER MARKET AND THE CURRENT SQUAD
“We are also working very well in the transfer market to make a competitive squad, my players have many different traits and they combine well to contribute to the team. I feel like a lucky coach: for example, Mbangula can play on the left and on the right, also Kalulu has settled into the group very well and can cover various defensive roles. I am happy, I wake up in the morning to come here and work with enthusiastic staff, and a group of players who have a huge desire to improve. I feel privileged.
THE LATEST TEAM NEWS
“Danilo didn't train yesterday due to a knock, today we'll assess how he is; Arek isn't with the group, he hasn't recovered yet, and Weah, Thuram and Adzic aren't available either. Savona? I like everything about him: his commitment, how he takes on board information, his attentiveness, his sharpness, and his desire: it's a credit to him but also to those who worked with him in the youth system. For me it is important who ‘plays’ and who ‘will play’, because they both contribute to raising the level in training. The captain? He has a fundamental role, he has to communicate what we want to do on the pitch, to the fans and in the locker room; and we have many players who can fill this role, tomorrow you'll see.”