Thiago Motta outlines how Juventus planned several different approaches to get around the Lille ‘strong first press’ and dangerous counter-attacks in the Champions League showdown.
It kicks off at the Stade Pierre Mauroy at 20.00 GMT.
This is a big test for the Bianconeri, who are still smarting after their surprise 1-0 home defeat to VfB Stuttgart.
LOSC have been a breakout of this early Champions League campaign, managing to beat both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid following their opening 2-0 loss away to Sporting CP.
“Lille have a strong first press, they can also defend deep and leave space to counter-attack. They are well-drilled and well-organised, so we need a great performance to get what we want at the end of it,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.
“We must continue improving, both as individuals, but above all collectively. I think we did well against Udinese, this is another match and we must keep going.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Danilo is suspended following his dismissal against Stuttgart, with Nico Gonzalez, Gleison Bremer and Arkadiusz Milik injured.
“I am really sad for Gleison that he cannot participate for such a long time, but this is part of the game. We need to raise the level individually and collectively,” continued the coach.
“We scored with a right-back against Udinese and that is the way we need to go. We’ve got to fight hard to compete against a strong team today.”
For the first time in the Champions League, Juve start Francisco Conceicao, Teun Koopmeiners, Kenan Yildiz and Dusan Vlahovic together, so will Juve attack the wings more?
“We must do everything. If the opposition spreads out, we need to push down the centre to create our chances. If they close up, we will go down the wings and make the most of two players who are very dangerous one on one,” concluded Thiago Motta.
Senegal
