Juventus: Why Yildiz was on the bench against Fiorentina and Motta’s stance on the Kean transfer

Thiago Motta says it was a “technical” decision for Kenan Yildiz to sit on the bench against Fiorentina, while Moise Kean had a “difficult moment” and “wanted to move” last summer.

Motta’s Juventus were held to a 2-2 draw by Fiorentina on Sunday. Although they remain unbeaten in Serie A, they have managed 11 draws in 18 games and sit three points outside the top four.

Motta surprisingly dropped Yildiz and started Mbangula, but brought the Turkish talent off the bench in the second half.

Juventus: Why Yildiz was on the bench against Fiorentina and Motta’s stance on the Kean transfer

Motta, a former Italy international, was asked to explain his choice during a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia.

“As always, it was a technical decision,” said the Juventus coach, “I am satisfied with Samuel (Mbangula)’s performance.”

Italy international Kean scored his 11th goal in Serie A this season, so Motta was asked if he regretted the club’s decision to sell the 24-year-old last summer.

“Even before the game he (Kean) said he had had a difficult time and now he is happy,” argued Motta.

“He wanted to change and now he is happy at Fiorentina; I have nothing more to add.”

Motta added that Fiorentina should have been more composed against the Tuscans and insisted defensive errors were not the key to the 2-2 draw.