Juventus must be in peak condition to challenge Manchester City, asserts Motta.

 

In a highly anticipated encounter on Wednesday, Juventus will face Manchester City, both of whom are currently facing difficulties in the Champions League. Manager Thiago Motta emphasized that his youthful squad must perform at their highest level to create challenges for the visiting team.

Juventus, currently positioned 19th but tied on eight points with 17th-placed City after five matches, began their European campaign with two victories. However, they experienced an unexpected 1-0 defeat against VfB Stuttgart, followed by draws against Lille and Aston Villa. "This is a Champions League match featuring two prominent clubs. Our focus must remain on our own performance, as everything else is secondary," Motta stated during a press conference on Tuesday. His team is currently sixth in Serie A and remains unbeaten this season. "We are a young team with the potential for improvement in all areas. We have demonstrated significant character and continue to develop due to our strong solidarity on the field," he added. "Ultimately, while we consider various factors, our priority must be the most critical aspects. We need to concentrate on the game, maintain our compactness, and play with intensity. A high level of quality will be essential to pose challenges for them."