Motta targets Juve response after European exit
Thiago Motta has urged Juventus to respond to its UEFA Champions League disappointment when it faces Cagliari this week.
The Bianconeri were eliminated from Europe's premier club competition in midweek after a 4-1 aggregate defeat by PSV.
Juventus had led 2-1 heading into the second leg of its knockout phase play-off tie at PSV Stadion, but was on the wrong end of an inspired turnaround by the hosts.
However, Motta's side switches its focus to Serie A, and will aim to close the gap on the top three when it travels to Unipol Domus to play 14th-placed Cagliari.
"After such a disappointment, the best thing is to get on the pitch and play," Motta said. "We know the difficulties, and we have to try to win.
"The disappointment is a lot, because we thought we could go to the round of 16. Now, we have to start again and think about tomorrow's game. We still have a very busy week, and we have to be smart - as we always have been.
"The players are smart and capable; they know what we want. Sometimes, even without a huge difference, the opponent was superior. They understand everything, and we give the maximum effort."
Motta also highlighted the recent performances of Timothy Weah, who has deputised at right-back because of a lack of defensive options available to the Bianconeri boss.
"I see him very well in this role. He defends well, is aggressive and wins a lot of duels," he added. "He can improve in that role, and [he] brings us a lot in the offensive phase. I'm very happy with Timothy."
