Motta Backs Juventus Striker Vlahovic Following Impressive Performance Against Genoa

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Juventus manager Thiago Motta defended Dusan Vlahovic after the striker's two goals in a 3-0 victory against Genoa. The match, held at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, saw Juventus maintain their strong start under Motta. Vlahovic scored twice before Francisco Conceicao added a late goal. Juventus have not conceded in their first six Serie A matches this season, scoring at least twice in five of their last eight games.

Despite Juventus' impressive form, Vlahovic has faced criticism. Only Christian Pulisic and Marcus Thuram have scored more than his four goals in Serie A this season. Vlahovic also scored twice against Verona. Motta praised Vlahovic's defensive contributions, stating: "No goals conceded is a team effort. Scoring goals starts well with [goalkeeper Mattia] Perin and not conceding goals starts with Vlahovic."

Motta emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying: "We have a group that wants to defend to have the ball and recover it. This is very important, a team must be solid to aspire to something great." He also addressed the focus on individual players: "Honestly, I think you pay too much attention to a single player. He has always been very good."

Motta acknowledged the expectations for strikers but highlighted Vlahovic's leadership: "I understand the expectations and needs of a striker at this level. But as I said from the beginning, he is a positive leader who helps a lot." Motta expressed satisfaction with Vlahovic's performance, whether he scores or not.

Vlahovic leads Serie A with 19 multi-goal games over six seasons. He stated: "The most important thing is that we won and we want to continue like this." Addressing criticism, he said: "It's no problem, people talk. If you score you're the best, if you don't you're the worst."

Vlahovic's Response to Criticism

Vlahovic remains focused on his game despite external pressures: "It's up to me to respond on the pitch and I will certainly do so." He acknowledged fewer scoring opportunities but remains committed: "People expect me to solve the games and that's normal, I don't run away."

He added: "I always do everything 100%. I'm super calm and I will always give my all on the pitch." For him, winning is paramount: "For a striker when you don't score it's difficult, but today we won and that's the only thing that matters."

Juventus' solid start under Motta highlights their defensive strength and attacking prowess. With players like Vlahovic contributing significantly, they aim for continued success in Serie A this season.