Thiago Motta seems to be fairly relieved that his Juventus facet had been in a position to hold Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins quiet of their current Champions League assembly.
The Italian giants battled to a goalless attract Birmingham on Wednesday in a consequence that leaves ninth within the Champions League desk and Juventus nineteenth — however simply two factors aside.
will little question have been apprehensive about the specter of Watkins, who went into the match off the again of a purpose in every of his final two appearances for membership and nation. The 28-year-old has discovered the web 33 instances for Aston Villa for the reason that begin of final season alone.
Nevertheless, the Previous Girl did a job on the England worldwide, who managed simply two photographs and 22 touches of the ball earlier than he was introduced off within the 77th minute.
Motta was happy to see his facet shut down Villa’s counter-attack, so typically led by Watkins.
“A secure level. [It was a game] kind of with a crew like Milan, with totally different gamers however on the identical time the identical concept,” Motta informed reporters at full-time (through ). “A crew that as we noticed, after we had been open, begins in a short time on the counter-attack.
“[A team] that appears for its striker Watkins in probably the most troublesome positions for our defenders.”
Thiago Motta notes Leon Bailey risk
One ahead who did catch the attention for Villa was Leon Bailey.
The Jamaica worldwide — who hasn’t discovered his greatest type this season — accomplished two of his 4 dribbles up in opposition to Andrea Cambiaso. He additionally created two possibilities, together with a cross to John McGinn that so very almost resulted in a winner for the hosts.
Motta admitted Bailey was Villa’s hazard man on the night time, however was happy with how his facet coped.
“Bailey tried to check his tempo [against] Andrea,” Motta added. “[Fortunately] we conceded little. It’s clear that we additionally created little, as a result of we performed with nice steadiness in order to not give what Aston Villa had been on the lookout for.
“We then had the chance with Francisco, very clear, which didn’t finish effectively with a purpose. All in all, we had one other good efficiency, the place we are going to take a degree and proceed to battle for qualification.”