Motta: Juventus Must Learn to Manage Matches Better After Latest Draw

Juventus coach Thiago Motta says his team has 'gotten what we have deserved' after their 1-1 draw at Lecce, and calls for improvement in managing matches and converting leads into wins.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta has expressed his thoughts on the team's recent performance, stating that they have “gotten what we have deserved” following another draw. The Bianconeri were held to a 1-1 draw at Lecce on Sunday, marking their latest setback in the league.

Motta acknowledged that his team can improve both collectively and individually, particularly after conceding a late goal that denied them a crucial win. Ante Rebic's last-gasp equalizer for Lecce ensured that Juventus would have to settle for a share of the spoils. As a result, the Turin-based club remains six points behind league leaders Napoli, despite maintaining their unbeaten record.

Juventus has earned the unwanted distinction of being the league's draw specialists. The team has set a new club record for Serie A draws in a single calendar year with 18, surpassing their previous mark set in 1956. Eight of these draws have come this season alone. Coach Thiago Motta emphasized the need for his team to improve their performance in critical moments of the match. “It's important to understand the moments in the matches. After taking the lead, we can improve certain aspects of the game, both collectively and individually,” Motta told DAZN.

Motta acknowledged that Juventus' current position in the league is a fair reflection of their performance. “So far, in the league, we have gotten what we have deserved. Sometimes we have played better than the opponent, other times the games have been more balanced. We are where we need to be,” he stated. However, Motta also pointed out that the team is feeling the strain of a congested schedule, particularly with a squad depleted by injuries. “We saw in the second half that the team was running out of steam and we knew that was a possibility,” he noted.

Coach Thiago Motta reflected on Juventus' 1-1 draw against Lecce, highlighting the team's contrasting performances in each half. “In the first half, Lecce was waiting for our mistakes, and we made few of them. In the second half, we opened up too much, despite being ahead. We need to improve in reading these moments,” Motta stated, emphasizing the need for his team to better manage their lead and adapt to changing circumstances.

Motta emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and maintaining a positive mindset. “We've got to improve, learn certain things and keep thinking positive. We need to prepare for the next match both physically and mentally,” he noted. The coach's comments came after a dramatic day in Serie A, which saw Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove collapse during their match against Inter Milan, prompting the suspension of the game. Motta admitted that the news had affected him, acknowledging the emotional toll of such incidents on the football community.

“It’s so worrying for him, his teammates and his family. I put myself in the shoes of his parents and it must be terrible,” Motta said.

“I hope he recovers as quickly as possible and I send all my love to the player, but above all his family. Seeing those images on TV must’ve been awful.”