Motta says it all: new Champions, Psv, Juve '96, the phrase on Vlahovic...

The Juventus coach on the eve of the Champions League match against the Dutch: "We carry the club's history on our shoulders"

After two consecutive 0-0 draws in the league against Roma and Empoli, Juventus is preparing to make its Champions League debut in the home match against PSV scheduled for Tuesday 17 September at the Allianz Stadium at 18:45. A match that is already fundamental, given the new format of the top European competition and which Thiago Motta presented in the pre-match press conference.

Juventus-Psv, Thiago Motta speaks

The Bianconeri are coming from a goalless draw against Empoli. The performance was perhaps a little below par for what was expected, but Motta is not making a fuss and is looking to PSV: " Empoli is the past. We are focused on tomorrow, which is another competition. I am proud to play in the Champions League . We will be facing a tough opponent ."

And it's also Motta's first: " We feel very good, we've been working for a long time to get to moments like the one we'll experience tomorrow . We're happy to start a good competition to play a good match. For us and for the fans ." On the new format: " It's definitely a different job compared to other years, but it's even more beautiful and stimulating. We can learn and study different things from those seen up to now. For the championship, little changes. We face match after match and only think about tomorrow. We'll have time to focus on the next match from time to time ." How many points will we need? " I don't know, only tomorrow counts. Then we'll see. Concentration, without calculations ."

PSV is a very proactive team and has had a great start to the season: " We have great respect for our opponents, but we are focused on what we have to do on the pitch . They are used to playing with great possession, with quality players. By recovering the ball and understanding the moments of the game, we can lead PSV to play a different game ." He then added: " We will bring enthusiasm and energy from the first minute. We are playing at home, we are fine ."

The European history of the Bianconeri will also be on the pitch: " Juve has many fans, an important shirt and we carry the history of the club on our shoulders. We are focused on PSV, everything else counts for relatively little. I repeat, we have to practice our game against an important opponent ."

At European level, Juve " we want to put it as high as possible, but we start tomorrow". The coach says, adding: "We have to compete with the opponent, we have to have the shared idea that tomorrow's match is important. Our big goal is to be competitive against everyone ". And then he adds: "Champions that has been missing since 1996? There is no pressure, we have a beautiful history in Italy and in Europe" . As a player, what can the former Bologna player bring? " Nothing, many years have passed by now ".

Motta, here's who will take the field

In the last match, there were no goal-scoring opportunities, but for the Juventus coach, he just needs to give his players confidence and make the most of the playing time: " To fill the area, we need to give the midfielders and wingers time to get there. By playing with the right timing, we can get into the area and create shots. We want to put in a good performance to have a better chance of winning ."

He then added: " We have to be a team both when we defend and in attack. The quality of the opponent certainly changes, but we will be the team we want to be, repeating the things that have worked well for us up to now ."

Will Danilo be able to regain his place as a starter? " We have great players and those who start the match will give their contribution , as will those who come on as substitutes ." There will be many debutants in the competition for the cup with the big ears: " In football everything counts, experience, enthusiasm, desire, attitude. Overall everything makes the difference ."

Motta, Koopmeiners and Vlahovic

On Koopmeiners: " Koop is fine, he made a great effort to be here. We only have strong players who can do great things together. He immediately showed his availability on the pitch, I see him very well together with his teammates with whom he immediately found a feeling. The eleven who will start will certainly do well".

As Vlahovic sees it : " The important thing is to accept criticism and move forward. He has scored goals, he will continue to do so, the important thing is to continue to cultivate the team spirit that is giving us a big hand. If we haven't conceded goals, it's also thanks to him. And if he hasn't scored, it's not just his fault. They are collective responsibilities. He is fine, the rest is part of our job ."

" Football is simple. Tomorrow - adds Motta - I would like to see eleven players who understand the moment. We defend and attack together. Be generous, supportive, protect the goal and when we have the ball use it in the right way. Develop the game to favor our attackers. A complete team. We are fine, I repeat. The attitude is right, on the pitch and in training ".

A thought obviously to his past, Bologna, which will play for the first time in the top European competition: " I wish Bologna and its people all the best. We must take advantage of the moment and go all out ."