Amid mounting pressure, Juventus manager Thiago Motta has expressed confidence in the support from the club’s owners, despite last weekend’s heavy defeat at home to Atalanta and prior eliminations from both the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.
“As is the nature of our profession, a coach is always under the spotlight, and that’s justified,” Motta stated to reporters on Saturday, amid swirling speculation regarding his future in Italian media.
“I have appreciated the backing of the owners over the past few days. The club has demonstrated absolute trust in me.”
The loss to Atalanta has left Juventus in fourth place in Serie A with 52 points, just one point ahead of fifth-placed Lazio, with 10 matches remaining.
Following their exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSV Eindhoven and a Coppa Italia defeat to Empoli last month, the team is hoping to regain their momentum in Serie A against eighth-placed Fiorentina on Sunday.
“My future isn’t the main focus. The priority is the match tomorrow; we must deliver a strong performance. We are recovering from a result that was hard to swallow,” he remarked.
“Initially, we felt disappointment and anger … but we must move forward and reset. Rising up is what we do best. I can see both the frustration and the resolve to respond immediately.”
“I hold myself accountable first and foremost, and when things aren’t going well, that’s only fair. Tomorrow presents a great chance to showcase our true potential once more.”
Juventus, with an equal number of wins and draws (13 each) and only two losses, have gradually climbed the league table but must elevate their performance to ensure a top-four finish for Champions League qualification.
The coach confirmed that Francisco Conceicao and Nicolo Savona, who were previously sidelined with hamstring and thigh injuries, are now available for selection.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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