Thiago Motta Didn’t Hold Back After Juve’s Coppa Italia Elimination

After the Old Lady, Juve was eliminated from the Coppa Italia, and coach Thiago Motta expressed his disappointment, revealing that his team made mistakes that could have been avoided. In the match against Empoli, Juventus lost in a penalty shootout, leaving Motta feeling angry and frustrated with his team’s performance.

In response, 42-year-old Motta took the unusual step of having the entire squad stay overnight before their match against Hellas Verona. He hopes this decision will motivate his players to perform better.

Motta emphasized that Juventus always plays to win and not just as a formality. He stated that his team would continue giving their best in every match, despite their Coppa Italia elimination.

"We always play to win, especially now. We will continue to give our best on the pitch in every match, despite our elimination from the Coppa Italia," Motta said, as reported in an interview.

Motta admitted he was very disappointed with his team’s performance against Empoli, feeling particularly frustrated because the mistakes should not have happened, especially after 39 previous matches.

"There is great disappointment from all parties. I was angry after the match because I care deeply about my players and know them well. But we made mistakes that should not have happened," said Motta.

When asked if he still had the support of management and players, Motta answered briefly but firmly: "Yes."

As an additional step, Motta required the entire squad and coaching staff to stay overnight before facing Hellas Verona in Serie A. According to Tuttosport, Juventus players trained as usual on Sunday morning, spent time with their families, and then checked into the J-Hotel on Sunday night.

Typically, Juventus only stays at the team hotel for home games with early kickoffs. However, Motta enforced this rule even though the match against Verona would take place on Tuesday.

Motta also confirmed that seven first-team players would be unavailable for the match against Verona. Francisco Conceição was the latest player ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Additionally, Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Arkadiusz Milik remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while Douglas Luiz, Nicolo Savona, and Renato Veiga are still recovering.