Juventus gaffer Thiago Motta has demanded his players improve in all parts of their performances in order to mount a proper title challenge this season.
After just four wins in 10 games this season, Juve are in sixth — and with just two wins in their last eight games, Motta’s side have 18 points, seven adrift of leaders Napoli.
The next task for Motta and his charges is a visit to Udinese, who sit seventh with 16 points, having suffered four losses in their last six games.
Juve have finished the last two seasons with 23 and 20 points behind Inter Milan and Napoli respective — this season, both occupy 2nd and 1st as it stands.
Quizzed about the growing gap between their rivals, Motta said of his team, who are Italy’s most successful side with 36 Scudetto titles;
“No club has won the Scudetto in November. We think about Udinese and we want to improve in all aspects, we must all do more, including myself.
“We have to do much better to stay high up in the standings, we are still at the beginning and it’s clear that we have to do much better given the results of the last match played (a home draw with Parma).
“But if a team deserved more it was ours, I am not the only one saying this, you can see it in the data.”
Motta’s team have conceded six goals in their last two league matches, after a 2-2 draw with Parma and an entertaining 4-4 draw at Inter, but Motta said the issue lies not in defence alone but his side’s overall coordination and decision-making.
“We must improve collectively, be united and help each other more. We must be aggressive and leave less space between the lines.
“We must make the best decisions as a team. We can’t let the opponents feel comfortable on the pitch,” he added.
