Juventus Determined to Win at PSV, Says Coach Thiago Motta
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta has made it clear that his side will not settle for a draw when they face PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday. Despite holding a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, Motta insists his team will approach the match with a winning mentality as they aim to secure a spot in the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition.
"This is the most important game of our season"
Speaking to reporters ahead of the crucial clash at the Philips Stadion, Motta stressed the significance of the match, calling it the biggest test of their campaign so far. While Juventus secured a hard-fought victory over PSV in Turin and followed it up with a morale-boosting 1-0 win against Serie A champions Inter Milan, the Italian coach warned that the job is far from finished.
"This is the most important game of our season. We've taken an important first step, but it's not enough," Motta said. "We don't know how to play to get a draw; we take to the field to win."
The former midfielder, known for his tactical acumen, emphasized the importance of concentration and a proactive approach, noting that his players must be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead.
"In football, you have to be prepared to do anything and think about everything. It will be important to use our heads well," he added. "We have to hope that our team is at its best in every aspect. We want to do our best to deserve a place in the next round."
Juventus' Strong Form and PSV's Home Threat
Juventus will enter the match in high spirits, having already defeated PSV twice this season. They recorded a convincing 3-1 win in their Champions League group stage opener in September and edged the Dutch side 2-1 in the first leg of the playoff last week.
However, Motta acknowledged that PSV will pose a far greater challenge on home soil. The Dutch club has been formidable at the Philips Stadion, where they have not suffered a defeat since November 2022. Their attacking style and home support make them a dangerous opponent, and Juventus will need to be at their best to withstand the pressure.
"We have to press them very hard up front because if we leave spaces in front of them, they play very well," Motta noted. "They're used to attacking with a lot of men. We have to use the ball well with quality and intensity to create goalscoring opportunities and convert them."
Juventus will rely on their disciplined defensive structure and experience in high-stakes European fixtures to counter PSV’s aggressive approach. Players such as Dusan Vlahović, Federico Chiesa, and Manuel Locatelli will be key in both attack and midfield control, while goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny will likely play a vital role in keeping PSV at bay.
Motta’s Tactical Plan and Juventus’ Mindset
Motta’s emphasis on pressing high and controlling possession suggests that Juventus will not sit back and defend their advantage. Instead, they are expected to adopt an aggressive yet balanced strategy, looking to frustrate PSV’s attacking movements while capitalizing on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities.
The Italian coach’s philosophy aligns with Juventus’ storied history in European football, where a winning mentality has always been a defining characteristic. By maintaining intensity, discipline, and focus, the Bianconeri aim to deliver a performance worthy of progressing to the next round.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how Juventus execute their game plan against a determined PSV side looking to overturn the deficit. With a place in the Champions League last 16 at stake, the battle in Eindhoven promises to be a thrilling contest.
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