Thiago Motta is confident Juventus will be competitive at the start of the Serie A season despite having more work to do in the transfer market.
It has been a period of change at the Allianz Stadium, with Motta replacing Massimiliano Allegri as head coach after four years without a league title for the Turin giants, which followed a run of nine straight Scudetto triumphs.
The Bianconeri have brought in midfielders Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram but are yet to strengthen their attack despite links with Teun Koopmeiners and Nicolas Gonzalez.
Their struggles in the transfer market could mean the likes of Weston McKennie, who looked to be on his way out at the end of 2023-24, could return to the fold for their Serie A opener against Cesc Fabregas' Como on Monday.
Motta, however, has faith in the players available to him, saying at Sunday's pre-match press conference: "First of all, McKennie is a useful and functional player for our needs.
"Tomorrow we have 19 players to face the game, only 11 can play. I have the possibility to make five substitutions, no more.
"We are in good shape, had good preparation, good training this week, with intensity, everything we want to see, and ready to face tomorrow's game."
Juventus are also likely to offload Italy forward Federico Chiesa, among others, and though former Bologna coach Motta knows there is plenty of work to be done, he is focused purely on starting his reign with a win.
"We are working hard to build a competitive squad together and today we are focused on playing a great game against Como. We will see the rest later," Motta said.
"The most important thing is that, even if you don't like to talk too much about the game, we are focused on playing well, doing our job well and getting the result we want against Como.
"All the players who come tomorrow deserve to be there, whether they play from the start or come in during the game, they do so on merit.
"Nothing is taken for granted, we have to deserve it and we have to focus on ourselves and on tomorrow's game.
"We are facing a team that has made it here from Serie B, they have won many games to get to this point, they have a lot of enthusiasm."
S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United crowned 2024 National Bank Premier League Champions
S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United clinched the 2024 National Bank Group of Companies Premier League title in spectacular fashion, securing their championship with a 2-0 victory over DBSKN St. Peters FC in Game 2 of the finals at Warner Park on Thursday, August 15.
The win, coupled with their dominant 3-0 triumph in Game 1 on Sunday, August 11, solidified their status as the premier team in St. Kitts and Nevis football.
The final match was a tense affair, with St. Paul’s United taking an early lead in the fifth minute, courtesy of an own goal by St. Peter's Devion Harvey. Just five minutes later, Keithroy Freeman doubled the advantage, putting St. Paul’s firmly in control of the game. Despite St. Peter’s FC’s best efforts, they were unable to break through the St. Paul’s defense, and the match ended 2-0, handing St. Paul’s United the championship.
The 2024 season saw several standout performances across the league, with individual awards highlighting the best players and coaches.
Austin Huggins of St. Peter’s FC was named Coach of the Year, a recognition of his leadership and tactical acumen throughout the season. Despite the finals loss, Huggins' work with St. Peter’s FC did not go unnoticed.
The Golden Glove award, given to the best goalkeeper of the season, went to Zian Drew of Old Road United FC, who consistently displayed exceptional skill between the posts. His teammate, Omarion Liburd, was named Defender of the Year, acknowledging his crucial role in maintaining a solid defensive line for Old Road United FC.
St. Peter’s FC’s Tyquan Terrell had a remarkable season, earning both the Midfielder of the Year and Regular Season MVP awards. Terrell’s vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of the game were key factors in St. Peter’s FC’s strong performances throughout the season. Kimaree Rogers of Village Superstars FC took home the Golden Boot award, recognizing him as the league’s top scorer.
In the finals, it was Omar Francis of St. Paul’s United who stood out, earning the Finals MVP award for his exceptional play and leadership on the pitch, helping to secure the championship for his team.
The SKNFA also celebrated achievements in the SKNFA Division One, where George Gilbert of Molineux FC was named Coach of the Year, and Vaughn Patrick of Mantab FC received the Best Goalkeeper award. The Most Goals award was shared between Sylvester Alexander of Mantab FC and Kurt Mills of Saddlers FC, both of whom had an impressive goal-scoring season. The MVP award for the division went to Josiah Bradshaw of Dieppe Bay Eagles FC, who was instrumental in his team’s success.
The SKNFA extended its congratulations to all the coaches and players who delivered outstanding performances this season, marking the end of an exciting and competitive senior men’s domestic football season. However, the football action continues with the SKNFA Youth Leagues, the Elvis Star Brown Women’s League, and international fixtures scheduled for the remainder of the year.
S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United’s victory in the 2024 Premier League has not only crowned them champions but has also set a high standard for excellence in St. Kitts and Nevis football.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City: Haaland and Kovacic help champions to opening triumph
Manchester City opened their Premier League title defence with little trouble after sweeping aside Chelsea with a 2-0 away victory on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola's team are chasing a record-extending fifth consecutive title and opened their 2024-25 campaign with a routine three points at Stamford Bridge, in stark contrast to the remarkable 4-4 draw in this fixture last term.
Erling Haaland chipped past Robert Sanchez with a well-taken opener in the first half of his 100th appearance for City, profiting from Bernardo Silva's deft offload to send the visitors on their way to victory.
Nicolas Jackson responded for Chelsea by having an equaliser ruled out before the break, with the Blues striker caught offside after Ederson unconvincingly parried from Cole Palmer's dipping strike.
Jackson again tested Ederson after the interval with a volley from Romeo Lavia's header, but Mateo Kovacic's fine individual finish against his former club six minutes from time sealed the win.
Victory saw City – who also had a Rico Lewis goal disallowed – join seven other teams on three points, while Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are just one place above the bottom three after his first match at the helm.
Data Debrief: Haaland provides further opening-game heroics
Haaland has been directly involved in 106 goals in 100 appearances for City, and the Norway talisman has enjoyed the opening fixture in this competition as well.
The 24-year-old became the first City player to score on matchday one in three consecutive Premier League seasons, after David Silva (2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16).
He has also scored 13 times across his nine Premier League appearances in August, two more than Chelsea have managed as a team since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are winless in their last seven league meetings with Man City (D2 L5), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021, and will have to recover before their next top-flight trip to Wolves on Sunday.
St. Kitts and Nevis certifies 39 new youth football coaches to elevate the game
St. Kitts and Nevis is set to see a significant boost in the quality of youth football coaching with the certification of 39 new coaches through the SKNFA Youth Coaches Training Program. In a ceremony held recently at the NBGC Technical Center in St. Peters, these coaches officially received their certificates, marking the completion of an intensive course designed to elevate the standard of coaching at the youth level.
SKNFA Technical Director Lenny Taylor, who played a pivotal role in the training, commended the newly certified coaches for their commitment and encouraged them to continue expanding their knowledge. "In coaching, as soon as you get cocky that you know it, that’s when you are going to hit your toe and fall on your face. It’s learning, learning, and more learning…get as much information as you can," Taylor advised. He emphasized that the ultimate beneficiaries of this education are the youth, who will now be guided not just to play the game, but to truly understand it.
The ceremony was also graced by SKNFA General Secretary Techell McClean, who spoke on behalf of SKNFA President Atiba Harris. She urged the coaches to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the SKNFA to further their coaching education. "All coaches a part of the Concacaf region are to be certified," McClean said, noting that each league requires a certain level of coaching licenses. She reminded the coaches that the technical director remains available to assist those interested in advancing their qualifications.
The 39 newly certified coaches are a diverse group, each bringing their unique passion and skills to the field. Among them, Jhevon Hendrickson, Nequan Browne, and Jacquan Hazel were recognized for their outstanding dedication throughout the course. Tyquan Terrell and Shamaar Joseph demonstrated exceptional understanding of youth football dynamics, while Xalif Chapman and Jahmal Pitt were noted for their tactical acumen.
Chevaun Matthew and Hakeem Huggins, along with De’Ashaan Hewlett and D’Jaun Warner, showed promise in developing strategic play among young athletes. Kaven Williams and Kassie Mardenborough, along with Yusuf Saunders and Alister Tuckett, are expected to contribute significantly to the youth football landscape with their fresh perspectives.
Vinceroy Nelson and Kimlon Maynard, alongside Glenroy Buchanan and Ziquan Dorsett, were praised for their leadership qualities, which will be crucial in guiding young footballers. Other notable coaches include Calvert Dixon and Shakquan Hodge, who are set to make impactful contributions to their teams.
The certification of these coaches represents a broader effort by the SKNFA to raise the standard of football in St. Kitts and Nevis, starting at the grassroots level. With the formal recognition of their skills, coaches like Clifford Brown, John Rowlands, and Sheldon Richards are now better equipped to foster the next generation of football talent in the nation.
As the new coaches like Edward Henry, Lance Lewis, and Lydia Liburd begin their journey, they are joined by other promising individuals such as Dante Mardenborough, Shamika Caines, and Cedric Anthony. The group also includes Harold Wharton, Abasti Tyrell, and Shaquille Barzey, who are expected to lead by example in their respective communities.
The certification ceremony was a proud moment for coaches like Julan Gordon, Deshaun Francis, and Jemari Trotman, who are eager to implement their newfound knowledge on the field. Antonius Archibald, MervonJae Pemberton, and Zajah Isaac round out the group of committed coaches ready to make a lasting impact on youth football in St. Kitts and Nevis.
With these 39 newly certified coaches, the future of football in St. Kitts and Nevis looks brighter than ever. Their contributions are anticipated to not only improve the standard of play but also to inspire a new generation of footballers to achieve greatness on and off the pitch.
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