Thiago Motta`s tenure as Juventus coach turned out to be a major disappointment in Serie A. Despite high expectations following his successful stint with Bologna, where he secured a historic Champions League qualification, his time at Juventus quickly soured. Juventus` sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli brought Motta in to initiate a new era, and the club supported him with roster changes and even during clashes with players. However, poor results, including a Champions League exit against PSV, led to a loss of team control, prompting the club to make a swift change.
Motta was dismissed on March 23rd, with Igor Tudor appointed as interim manager until the season`s end. Tudor will also lead Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the USA, where they are grouped with Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, and Al-Ain. Let`s examine the Juventus crisis and the club`s future direction.
Reasons for Motta`s Dismissal
Tensions escalated between Motta, the team, Giuntoli, and the fans recently. The image of Juventus supporters leaving the stadium early during a 4-0 defeat to Atalanta highlighted the coach`s failing position. His sacking became inevitable, especially as Juventus aims for a Champions League spot, currently sitting just behind Bologna in Serie A.
Motta failed to replicate Bologna`s impressive football style in Turin, disappointing fans and players alike who sought a fresh approach. A rift developed within the team. Former captain Danilo departed in January, Federico Chiesa was sold to Liverpool, and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny initially retired after Juventus signed Michele Di Gregorio, only to later join FC Barcelona. These influential players, including Dusan Vlahovic who saw limited playtime, were reportedly involved in dressing room conflicts, such as Vlahovic`s alleged argument with Motta after a Supercoppa Italiana loss to AC Milan.
The initial appointment of Motta was met with excitement, seen as a fresh start after Massimiliano Allegri`s second spell. Allegri, despite winning the Coppa Italia, was also dismissed after a confrontation with Giuntoli. Allegri had been a constant figure for Juventus, guiding them through the capital gains scandal and earning player respect. However, despite his past success, his second stint was less fruitful.
Giuntoli, tasked with rebuilding Juventus after the scandal, chose Motta. However, reports suggest Giuntoli expressed regret over this decision, highlighting internal confusion. Firing two managers in under a year appears to be a move to protect Giuntoli`s own position. His appointment of Tudor is a high-stakes gamble to secure Champions League qualification.
Juventus: What Lies Ahead?
Juventus cannot afford further missteps, and Giuntoli is under pressure to deliver. Juventus, like other top clubs, desires a coach who can improve player performance and team style. Maurizio Sarri was the only manager in the past decade with such a reputation to achieve success, even admitting to modifying his style to win Serie A. Juventus has dismissed every other manager after just one season in the last five years, except for Allegri. The same fate befell Motta, Sarri, and Andrea Pirlo.
Igor Tudor now takes over, with a potential extension until 2026 if Champions League qualification is secured. If not, Juventus will again seek a new coach after the Club World Cup. Potential candidates include Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Stefano Pioli. However, the immediate focus is salvaging the current season, a task that may determine Giuntoli`s future as well.
