Aston Villa boss Unai Emery accused of "bluffing" ahead of Juventus test

Villa sit above the Italian giants in the group phase table and Emery suggested a point would not be the worst result for his team.

But speaking on Tuesday night at Villa Park, Motta dismissed that suggestion while also expressing confidence in his injury-hit squad.

Juventus have travelled to Birmingham with just 17 players, including three goalkeepers, with former Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz among those to remain in Italy. The visitors are also without striker Dusan Vlahovic and may potentially be forced to field an XI without a recognised forward.

Told of Emery’s comments, Motta replied: “I want to ask if he was calm and relaxed when he spoke? I think tomorrow we will face a great team, one which for a long time has been playing well and having great results in the Champions League. 

“We will take the pitch tomorrow very humble, determined to do our job and respect the opponent.  I think Emery made a great bluff today. Like I said, I did not watch the interview. Maybe I will watch it and see if he was bluffing or not.

“But I am not bluffing when I say I trust myself but at the same time I really trust my players. They are ready to compete and they will show it tomorrow.”

Former Italy international Motta played for Emery at Paris St Germain and is understood to have been recommended to coach the French club’s youth team by the Villa boss. He took charge at Juventus in the summer after guiding Bologna into the Champions League.

“Like every coach I played for I tried to listen and learn and improve to do the things I was asked to do,” said Motta. “He (Emery) is a high level coach, who has been like that for a long time, working with knowledge and competency. 

“Now he is doing it with Aston Villa. It is also the reason we will be humble on the pitch in terms of respecting our opponent but also determined to play well.”