Juventus coach Thiago Motta in Genoa (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Thiago Motta reveals the tactical tweak that allowed Juventus to eliminate Genoa in a 3-0 win and why Dusan Vlahovic is growing into a ‘positive leader’.

Although there were no substitutions in the second half, there were some tactical changes from the 4-3-3, with Pierre Kalulu moving to full-back and Teun Koopmeiners and Kenan Yildiz moving to more central roles behind Vlahovic.

“That’s correct. By reaching inside, Yildiz creates space for our wide players, which also fits better with the system Genoa played. There also needs to be an understanding of what we need to do on the field and obviously it was a lot better in the second half,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“Once Genoa took the lead, they obviously had to step up and apply more pressure, which gave us space to create a lot more chances to score. It could have been a higher result.”

Did the coach say anything else to the team at halftime to change their attitude?

“Nothing apart from the tactical change. The players discussed what could be done better and I am happy with everyone’s performance, including those who sat on the bench and took part with their teammates, as they could be heard even more clearly without a crowd.”

The Bianconeri needed a boost after three consecutive 0-0 draws in Serie A and it looked like this game would be the same at an empty Marassi in a sluggish first half.

However, Vlahovic broke the drought by converting a penalty – awarded because of Koni De Winter’s attack – and scoring a second moments later after the Koopmeiners’ assist.

Francisco Conceicao completed the defeat late on when a Koopmeiners dummy let Khephren Thuram pass.

Thiago Motta enjoys Juventus’ solidity

This means Juventus have not conceded a goal in their first six Serie A games of the season, a new club record of three points for a winning era.

“This is an interesting statistic, it shows that this is a solid team and that starts with the strikers who help,” continued Thiago Motta.

“Of course we have strong defenders, but it is a team effort and thanks to the generosity of all the players who worked together we were able to keep a clean sheet. They strive to first win the ball back and then defend our goal. This is an essential approach for an ambitious team.”

Vlahovic has been criticized for acting frustrated and irritable when he fails to score, but Thiago Motta believes the striker is growing in this regard.

“I can see him as a positive leader in his communication and body language, letting teammates know what we need to do even when we are struggling. Sometimes he can harmonize better with them, but it is in him, he is very competitive, gives his best in training and on a match day,” concluded Thiago Motta.

“I’m happy for him when he scores goals, but when I see that he’s in harmony with the team like he was today, I’m also happy when he doesn’t score a goal.”