On a day off for the players, Juventus head coach Thiago Motta took the opportunity to enjoy a trip to the mountains, exploring the sights from the Piccolo Cervino and visiting the ice palace in Zermatt, Switzerland with his wife, Angela Lee. Meanwhile, at the J Medical center, the club welcomed their fifth summer signing, Pierre Kalulu. When training resumes at Continassa, the coach will be back with the new defender, marking the beginning of an intense period for the French player as he joins a Juventus squad that is slowly beginning to take shape.
The match against Como provided a glimpse into the future of Juventus after a lengthy summer buildup. During just the first half-hour after the team lineups were announced at Allianz Stadium, some key elements of the team’s tactical project began to emerge. Notably, Motta made the surprising decision to leave out both Douglas Luiz and captain Danilo from the starting lineup, opting instead for Samuel Mbangula, a choice he felt would best prepare them for the match.
Motta emphasized the importance of dedication and attitude in training, rewarding players like Federico Gatti with the captain’s armband for their hard work and commitment. The coach has made it clear that he values effort both in practice and during games, illustrated by the way he praised Kenan Yildiz’s respect for hard work when discussing the number 10 shirt.
When actions transitioned from theory to practice, Motta demonstrated courage and self-belief, qualities he demands from his players. This was evident in their collective pressing and immediate recovery of the ball after losing possession, leading to the game’s only goal, which arose from a quick decision by Manuel Locatelli to regain the ball and launch a counter-attack.
In their opening match statistics, Juventus achieved an impressive 92% pass completion rate, the highest in Serie A for this fixture. However, Motta’s vision transcends mere numbers, as it embodies a collective mindset that emphasizes fluidity, continuous movement, and the importance of every player sacrificing for the team’s success.
The team’s formation during the game, a 4-2-3-1, maintained connections to their prior 4-1-4-1 formation during friendlies, with full-backs often moving into midfield during build-up play. This flexibility symbolizes a mentality that Motta is cultivating, which prioritizes teamwork and collective effort. Players are expected to give their all, support each other, and reclaim lost possessions eagerly.
Furthermore, Motta has boldly decided to keep the squad focused and not influenced by transfer speculation, even sidelining prominent players like Federico Chiesa. His aim is to build a strong foundation with those committed to staying, initiating his “method Motta” from the very start of the season. The coach is focused on building a team characterized by unity and cooperation, setting the tone for Juventus as they navigate this new chapter.
