Thiago Motta pictured during Juventus’ Serie A match with AC Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Thiago Motta appears to be quite relieved that his Juventus side were able to keep Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins quiet in their recent Champions League meeting.
The Italian giants battled to a goalless draw in Birmingham on Wednesday in a runaway result Village ninth in the Champions League and Juventus 19th, but only two points apart.
Man United and Man City offered the chance to sign the Aston Villa fan favourite!
Juventus He will no doubt have been concerned by the threat of Watkins, who came into the game from a goal behind in each of his last two appearances for club and country. The 28-year-old has found the net 33 times for Aston Villa since the start of last season alone.
However, the old lady made a job of the England international, who managed just two shots and 22 touches of the ball before being sent off in the 77th minute.
Motta was delighted to see his side shut down Villa’s counter-attack, often led by Watkins.
“One point for sure. (It was a game) more or less with a team like Milan, with different players but at the same time the same idea,” Motta told reporters at full-time (via TBR). “A team that, as we have seen, when we were open, starts very quickly on the counterattack.
“(A team) looking for their forward Watkins in the most difficult positions for our defenders.”
Thiago Motta points to the threat of Leon Bailey
One striker who caught Villa’s attention was Leon Bailey.
The Jamaica international, who has not found his best form this season, has completed two of his four races against Andrea Cambiaso. He also created two chances, including a cross to John McGinn that almost resulted in a winner for the hosts.
Motta admitted Bailey was Villa’s danger man on the night but was pleased with how he coped for his side.
“Bailey tried to test his pace (against) Andrea,” Motta added. “(Fortunately) we conceded little. It’s clear we created little too, because we played with great poise to not give Aston Villa what they were looking for.
“Then we had the opportunity with Francisco, very clear, which did not end well with a goal. All in all, we have done another good performance, where we will take a point and continue to fight for the classification”.
