Motta Commends Juve Following Victory Against Hellas Verona: ‘We Delivered an Impressive Performance Today’

Juventus had to remain composed as they patiently sought the breakthrough in their late triumph over Hellas Verona in the Serie A on Monday, a quality that coach Thiago Motta praised in his players.

Despite a frustrating start, Juventus secured a 2-0 victory with late goals from Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners, having created almost 30 opportunities and thoroughly dominating their opponents throughout the match.

“The manner in which we achieved the three points was significant, and it wasn’t straightforward,” Motta remarked to DAZN.

“Maintaining our composure means waiting and playing the game well. It’s not easy, especially after our exit from the Coppa Italia, as the atmosphere was quite tense and there can be an overwhelming urge and anxiety to perform perfectly.”

“In such situations, you can leave yourselves open to counter-attacks, but we denied our opponents that chance. In the second half, we could have added more than the two goals we scored. The players earned it and have immense quality.”

Juve experienced a surprising exit from the Italian Cup last week, falling to Empoli 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

“In our last cup match, we didn’t possess the right attitude in the first half, but we always push ourselves to do better; that’s the key,” Motta stated.

“We must find ways to improve every day. Today was a fantastic performance, but that’s in the past now.”

The Italian-Brazilian coach expressed his support for goalscorer Koopmeiners, who netted his first goal since early December.

“Koopmeiners played well and I’m really pleased for him—he’s a remarkable individual,” Motta added.

“He possesses a great mentality, and it’s a privilege for us to have him on our team. He needs to remain assured and accept criticism. He’s performing well, and he’ll contribute significantly to us.”

The 27-year-old Dutch international, who transferred to Juve from Atalanta for a reported fee of around €55 million ($57.68 million) in August, has now scored his second Serie A goal for the Turin outfit.

Fourth-placed Juventus will take on third-placed Atalanta on Sunday, with just three points separating the two sides.