Thiago Motta was glad to be back in the Italy squad after almost two years and praised Antonio Conte’s methods.
The PSG veteran had not featured for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup, but started tonight’s 1-1 friendly draw with Spain.
“Clearly the World Cup in Brazil didn’t go well and there is a lot of competition for places. I just carried on working the way I usually do and focusing on my club football,” he told Rai Sport.
Thiago Motta was glad to be back in the Italy squad after almost two years and praised Antonio Conte’s methods.
The PSG veteran had not featured for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup, but started tonight’s 1-1 friendly draw with Spain.
“Clearly the World Cup in Brazil didn’t go well and there is a lot of competition for places. I just carried on working the way I usually do and focusing on my club football,” he told Rai Sport.
“I don’t know why I was recalled, you’d have to ask the Coach. I have been playing regularly this season for my club and try to do my best so I can reach the Italy side, which is the ultimate goal.
“Conte is a well-prepared Coach who tries to transmit what he wants to his players with videos and training sessions. These things help, as they give you a real idea of what to do when you are under pressure on the field.
“Every tactician has his own method of working. He focuses on repetition in training so we practice movements and know them off by heart.”
Will Thiago Motta be in competition with Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi for a place at Euro 2016?
“No, I see them as teammates. They are great players and have done so well in their international careers. The Coach will choose, all we can do is give our best when called upon.”
Marco Verratti is Thiago Motta’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, but has struggled with a groin inflammation. Is he ready to take charge of the Azzurri?
“Marco went through a difficult moment with this physical problem. He’s a player I really like, is no longer someone for the future, but for the present, as over two or three years at Paris Saint-Germain he has proved himself at every level.”
Italy tested a 3-4-3 formation this evening, so how did that affect Thiago Motta’s position?
“Regardless of the system, what the Coach looks for is for everyone to work as a unit and that makes it easier for us in midfield.
“When we attack, we all push forward, and when we lose the ball we must all press the opposition. That is modern football.”