Thiago Motta on Juventus’ dramatic win over Leipzig: “My boys gave their all”

Serie A giants Juventus picked up a dramatic win over Leipzig in their second game of the Champions League, beating them 3-2 despite being a man down.

Bremer and Nico Gonzalez had picked up injuries early in the game, leaving Juve handicapped with substitutions. Benjamin Sesko’s brilliant strike handed Leipzig a lead in the first half before Dusan Vlahovic equalised early in the second half. Michele di Gregorio was sent off for handling the ball outside the box and this was followed by a Leipzig penalty, which was converted by Sesko.

With Mattia Perin in goal, Juve equalised through a sensational Vlahovic long-range hit and Chico Conceicao’s brilliant individual effort saw them make it 3-2. They held on in what was a incredible show of resilience.

Motta spoke about the mentality of his players and told Sky Italia, as relayed by TMW: “My boys gave it their all, I asked the team to concentrate. If there are doubtful situations we play and then the VAR will decide, I only asked the boys to concentrate.”

He also stated that he asked his teams to keep going and attacking despite being a man down for a big part of the second half.

“This mentality is part of a group that wears an important shirt and what the boys showed today on the pitch gives great pride to everyone, to the staff, to the fans here and to those at home. They transmitted emotion, desire, courage. I’m happy, the boys did a great job even in the face of adversity.”

Motta also spoke about the most important aspect of the win and what impressed him most, saying: 

“The interpretation of today’s match and the strategy thought up against a strong and enthusiastic team was this. We knew that the first pressure would be important, even if they were dangerous. Then when we have the ball we have to play good football to be able to put the opponent in difficulty and bring home the result.”

Juve have now won both their games in the Champions League and find themselves unbeaten in all competiitons.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN