“We’re going out to claim victory” – Motta insists Juve will aim for victory, not a draw, in playoff second leg

Juventus will not settle for a draw at PSV Eindhoven, despite holding a 2-1 lead going into the second leg of their Champions League playoff, according to coach Thiago Motta, who described Wednesday’s clash as the most crucial match of the season.

Buoyed by their narrow victory over the Dutch side in the first leg and a recent 1-0 win against Serie A champions Inter Milan on Sunday, Motta’s men arrive at the Philips Stadion in confident spirits.

The Italian tactician urged his team to maintain their focus as they aim for yet another European victory to secure a place in the last 16.

“This match is the most significant of our season. We’ve made a vital first move, but it’s not sufficient. Our approach is not to play for a draw; we go onto the pitch to win,” Motta told reporters on Tuesday.

“In football, you must be ready for anything and consider all possibilities. It’s essential that we utilise our judgement wisely.”

“We need to ensure that our team performs at its peak in every aspect. We will strive to earn our place in the next round.”

Juventus have managed to defeat PSV twice this season, including a 3-1 victory at home during their Champions League opener in September. However, Motta admitted that encountering the Dutch team on their home turf presents a significant challenge, as they haven’t lost there since November 2022.

“We must apply intense pressure on them from the start, as leaving spaces will allow them to thrive offensively,” he said.

“They are adept at committing numerous players to attack. It’s vital that we handle the ball with quality and intensity to create and capitalise on scoring opportunities.”