Motta denies Yildiz Juventus training dispute: ‘Never happened’

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, talks to Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between Juventus FC and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Thiago Motta insisted that the alleged confrontations during training with Kenan Yildiz had ‘never happened’, suggesting that this was one of the lies told about him and his strained relationship with some Juventus players.

Yildiz’s recent dip in form has been the subject of heavy speculation following Motta’s sacking by Juventus, with suggestions that the coach’s handling of the player—who was either benched or left out of some of the team’s most important matches—had affected his motivation and performances.

Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini revealed that the manager repeatedly provoked the Bianconeri star during training sessions, allegedly telling him he shouldn’t think of himself as Messi. Motta dismissed this claim in his first interview since his departure from the Allianz Stadium.

Motta: I ‘never said’ Yildiz should not think of himself as Messi

“This never happened with Yildiz,” Motta told Il Corriere della Sera.

“I never said anything like that to Kenan. I’ve asked a lot of things from my players; I have requirements and principles as a coach, for sure.

“We can always discuss to find the best way to do things, but always in a positive manner, with mutual respect. I’ve never had this situation with Kenan. Whoever says that is another liar.”

On the contrary, Motta reiterated his admiration for Yildiz, a player who quickly became central to his tactical plan during the early months of his tenure.

“He’s a young guy with huge potential, who has played many games as a starter with us because he always deserved it,” the coach added.

“When I didn’t play him, it was because I wanted to protect him during the inevitable moments of lower form. I believe Yildiz will have a future as a protagonist because, beyond his talent, he’s a champion as a person.

“As a player, he has great natural talent, but his best quality is his desire to work, to improve, to do things seriously. It’s not easy to find a young guy like him with this mentality and work ethic.

“All of this, along with his technical and physical quality, is making him a great player. He was born in 2005, and he will definitely have an important future if he continues to work this way.”