Thiago Motta, former coach of Juventus, expressed disappointment about leaving the club and denied recent rumors concerning his relationship with player Kenan Yildiz.
He clarified that the alleged incident, where he supposedly told Yildiz “You’re not Messi,” never took place, stating, “This never happened.”
Reflecting on his time at Juventus, where the team fell short of expectations this season, Motta described his departure as a “disappointment.”
Despite early aspirations for success in the Coppa Italia and Champions League, he disagreed with those who labeled the season as a failure.
“Our primary goal at the start of the season was to secure fourth place in the league. We were just one point away when my time at the club ended,” he explained.
When he initially took over at Juventus, Motta knew it would be part of a long-term project. “At a club like Juventus, winning is essential,” he stated. “However, the project didn’t go as we hoped or envisioned.”
Motta also addressed the rumors about his alleged comment to Yildiz during training. He firmly denied them, saying, “I never said that to Kenan. This never happened. Anyone who says otherwise is lying.” Motta emphasized that, as a coach, he always aimed for a positive and respectful relationship with his players.
Motta also spoke highly of Kenan Yildiz’s talent and potential.
“Kenan is a highly talented young player who earned his place in the starting lineup. Even when his form wasn’t at its best, I kept him in the squad to protect him. I believe Kenan has a bright future ahead,” he said.
Motta stated, “It’s rare to find such a mentality and work ethic in someone so young. When combined with his technical ability, it makes him a fantastic player. If he continues on this path, his future will undoubtedly be bright.”
