Thiago Motta`s time as Juventus coach turned out to be a major disappointment in Serie A. Despite high expectations when he arrived from Bologna, where he achieved Champions League qualification, his tenure quickly declined. Juventus made significant squad adjustments and supported Motta, even through dressing room conflicts. However, poor results, including Champions League elimination, led to a loss of team control, prompting the club to act before the season`s end.
Motta was sacked on March 23rd, and former Juventus player Igor Tudor was appointed as interim manager until the season`s conclusion, which includes the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA against teams like Manchester City. We will analyze the Juventus crisis and consider the club`s next moves.
Reasons for Thiago Motta`s Dismissal
Tensions between Motta, the team, management, and fans grew significantly recently. The image of fans leaving during a 4-0 defeat to Atalanta symbolized the end for Motta. His dismissal became inevitable, particularly with Juventus still competing for Champions League qualification, closely behind Bologna in Serie A.
Motta couldn`t replicate Bologna`s successful playing style in Turin, disappointing fans and players who desired a change from the past. A divide emerged within the team. Key players like Danilo, Federico Chiesa, and Wojciech Szczesny departed or faced issues, impacting team dynamics. Dusan Vlahovic also saw reduced playing time after a reported disagreement with Motta.
Initially, Motta`s arrival was met with excitement as a fresh start after Massimiliano Allegri`s second spell. Despite winning the Coppa Italia, Allegri was also dismissed due to clashes with sporting director Giuntoli. Allegri had been a constant figure at Juventus, navigating the club through challenges like the capital gains scandal.
While Allegri and Giuntoli`s relationship deteriorated, his absence created a void. Giuntoli, tasked with rebuilding after joining from Napoli, chose Motta but reportedly expressed regret about this decision, highlighting internal confusion. Firing two managers within a year suggests Giuntoli is trying to secure his own position by appointing Tudor to pursue Champions League qualification.
Juventus: What`s Next?
Juventus cannot afford more missteps, and Giuntoli is under pressure. Juventus, like other major clubs, faces a dilemma: hiring managers for their coaching style but then struggling to maintain patience. Maurizio Sarri was the only such manager to achieve Serie A success in the last decade, even by adapting his approach. Juventus has dismissed other managers after single seasons recently, including Sarri and Andrea Pirlo, mirroring Motta`s fate.
Igor Tudor will now manage Juventus for the rest of the season, with a potential extension to 2026 if Champions League qualification is secured. Otherwise, Juventus will 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.
Benedict Kingsley