Motta calls on Juve to ´change the story´ after 20th draw of 2024

Thiago Motta acknowledged Juventus must “change this story” after they drew for the 10th time in 16 league games this season, fighting back against Venezia on Saturday.

Only a stoppage-time Dusan Vlahovic penalty ensured Juventus avoided a humiliating home defeat, as they came back from 2-1 down to draw 2-2 with Serie A’s bottom club.

While the Bianconeri are one of just two teams – alongside Paris Saint-Germain – to remain unbeaten in one of Europe’s top five leagues, they have struggled to turn draws into wins all campaign.

Motta’s side are sixth with 28 points, having recorded six victories and 10 draws. They last managed so few victories through 16 games of a season in 1998-99 (also six), when they went on to finish seventh.

“We did not put in a good performance against a team that defended well. We certainly need to do better,” Motta told Sky Sports Italia.

“We do not want to remain where we are now and after taking the lead we need to keep playing, maintain this confidence to close the game and not try to run down the clock.”

Juventus have now drawn 20 times in Serie A in 2024 – a new club record for a calendar year.

Motta added that their current situation made it impossible to discuss ambitions for this season, saying: “We, at this moment, have to put in a better performance and get a different result.

“I’ve never spoken about the Scudetto and this is not the time to speak. Now is the time to change with the next match. We have to change this story.”

Juve’s home fans were angry with their team’s performance, with several supporters seen hurling insults at the players after the match.

“The fans have the freedom to express their emotions and feelings. The players are the first who wish they could have changed things and won, so it is not a good moment,” said Motta.

“These things happen, it’s not the first time, it certainly won’t be the last. We must be united and keep going forward for the good of Juventus. We all want to change this situation.

“The fans have every right to express themselves, but we should remain united and together change things.”