Motta says Juve 'suffered a lot' in PSV defeat
Juventus manager Thiago Motta blamed a lack of control for the Bianconeri's Champions League exit at the hands of PSV.
Juventus manager Thiago Motta blamed a lack of control for the Bianconeri's Champions League exit at the hands of PSV.
The Old Lady were beaten 3-2 on aggregate, losing 3-1 after extra time in Eindhoven, marking the first time they have ever lost a knockout tie in the competition after winning the first leg.
"We struggled in the second half, had equalised in such an important moment for us and we were not capable of holding on to it," Motta said.
"It was under control in the first half, it’s true that they pushed harder, while we hit the woodwork. We knew PSV were a quality side who push and attack, but we suffered a lot here.
"We cannot be happy with the two goals we conceded, especially with predictable changes of play and [Johan] Bakayoko being allowed to control the ball in our area. We must do much better if we want to compete at this level.
"At times we were in the game, at others they were superior. We knew that PSV would attack, but we were unable to do the things we needed throughout the match."
For PSV, meanwhile, the victory was the first time it has progressed through a Champions League knockout tie since beating Arsenal in the 2006-2007 season.
Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli was not as diplomatic as his coach, telling Amazon Prime Video Italia that they had 'thrown qualification away', though Motta disagreed.
"It is true that they pushed harder and were superior, but we also had a big chance with Dusan Vlahovic hitting the woodwork and it was an open game," he said.
"We did not throw anything away. We tried to the end, but we ultimately weren’t stronger over the whole match, so PSV deserved to go through."
Locatelli, though, gave an emotional post-match interview when trying to dissect their performance.
"It hurts so much because we had it in our hands and threw away a qualification. We are all responsible," he said.
"Now, we need to come together and get out of this moment, but it hurts a lot.
"Right now, I don’t have an explanation. They played better than us. They wanted it more. The pitch always speaks, the rest is just talk.
"They deserved to win. We need to look each other in the eyes and understand what went wrong.
"I don’t think there’s much to say right now. Those who have been here longer need to take responsibility.
"Only together, through hard work and determination, can we get through moments like this. It hurts, but we have to give our all."
