Motta, Cambiaso confident ahead of Aston Villa clash despite truncated squad

Before Wednesday night Champions League match against Aston Villa, Juventus head coach Thiago Motta and do-it-all full-back Andrea Cambiaso sat down to discuss team dynamics, tactics and more. Juve – who drew 1-1 with French side Lille in their last Champions League game – sit 11th against the top of the play-off places in the new league phase and will look to make a statement against Unai Emery’s side .

But just like at the weekend against Milan, the Bianconeri have to fight with a strong short-handed team. Plagued by injuries, Juventus traveled to Birmingham, England, with just 17 players, three of whom are goalkeepers.

Nevertheless, Cambiaso – who has stepped up as one of the team’s leaders this season – seemed unfazed by the size of the squad, saying, “we are a small squad, we are aware of that, but everyone is fully available to the coach. We know that injuries are part of our job.”

Motta echoed those sentiments.

“(On Wednesday) we will face a great team,” he said. “(Aston Villa) are a team that is in good form, especially in this competition. We will go into the game with great humility, determined to play our game and with respect for our opponent as always. I am always positive , I have a lot of confidence in my players, who show every day that they are ready to compete and give everything.”

Motta and Cambiaso also spoke about the new Champions League format, how the league phase has changed how they approach matches and the type of team growth it has spawned.

“I like it because you have the chance to face different teams and therefore it allows you to prepare differently for each game,” Motta said. “You face more opponents with different football ideologies than yours and this aspect helps you develop a lot as a team.”

What’s more, Motta claimed that playing against a number of top coaches, such as Emery, has helped him develop personally.

“Like all the coaches I’ve had, I tried to listen and learn from him,” Motta said. “His career is well documented. He is a coach who has been at a high level for a long time, he deserves it because he has always been consistent in his work and he continues to reap the rewards of his efforts.”

Similarly, regarding the new system, Cambiaso said, “the challenge against Aston Villa will have the same importance as the first four teams we faced. There is not one game that is more important than the others, they count all in the qualification for the knockout phase.”

Despite this, Aston Villa will be one of the more difficult teams Juventus have faced so far. The Villans are well placed in the table after winning three of their four Champions League games, including a 2-0 win over German giants Bayern Munich.

“Tomorrow, in this regard, we will face a strong team and we will have to be composed and concentrated throughout the match,” Cambiaso said. “The game in Birmingham will see two teams that want to play their style of football, it will be a good game.”

Motta also asserted the need to remain steadfast in their tactics, proclaiming that “we will play against a team that is very good in transition. We will not be able to leave space for their midfielders, we will have to work together both in defense and attack. Tomorrow, being the first to the loose balls can play a very important role in the game.”

Finally, Motta spoke briefly about the starting line-up, specifically addressing who will replace injured talisman Dusan Vlahovic at the top of the pitch. One of the names that has emerged is Timothy Weah, who has impressed with his recent goalscoring form.

“If Timothy plays tomorrow night in the middle of the attack, I’m sure he will give a great performance,” said Motta. “And the same goes for whoever occupies that position on the pitch.”