Thiago Motta`s time as Juventus coach turned out to be a major disappointment in Serie A. Despite initial high hopes after his successful stint with Bologna, where he secured a historic Champions League qualification, his tenure at Juventus quickly went wrong. Juventus` sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, brought Motta in to rebuild the team, making significant roster changes and supporting him even through dressing room conflicts. However, poor results, including a Champions League exit against PSV, led to the club`s decision to sack Motta, realizing he had lost control.
Motta was fired on March 23rd, and former Juventus player Igor Tudor was appointed as interim manager until the end of the season. Tudor will also lead the team in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the USA. Let`s analyze the Juventus crisis and consider the club`s future steps.
Reasons for Thiago Motta`s Dismissal
Tensions escalated between Motta, the team, Giuntoli, and the fans. A turning point was fans leaving the stadium early during a 4-0 defeat against Atalanta. It became clear his departure was imminent, especially as Juventus aimed for a Champions League spot, currently close behind Bologna in Serie A.
Motta failed to replicate Bologna`s successful style at Juventus, disappointing fans and players alike who desired a change from the past. A divide emerged within the team. Key players like Danilo, Federico Chiesa, and Wojciech Szczesny departed, impacting the dressing room dynamics. Dusan Vlahovic also saw limited playtime after an alleged dispute with Motta.
Initially, Motta`s arrival was met with excitement as a fresh start after Massimiliano Allegri`s second spell. Allegri, despite winning the Coppa Italia, was also dismissed due to conflict with Giuntoli. Allegri had been a respected figure, guiding Juventus through a difficult period, including the capital gains scandal. However, the relationship between Allegri and Giuntoli deteriorated.
Giuntoli, tasked with rebuilding Juventus after the scandal, chose Motta. However, reports suggest Giuntoli later expressed regret about this decision, highlighting internal club confusion. Firing two managers within a year appears to be a move to protect Giuntoli`s own position. Appointing Tudor is a risky decision driven by the need to secure Champions League qualification.
Juventus` Next Steps
Juventus cannot afford further missteps, with Giuntoli under pressure. The club faces a dilemma: they seek managers with innovative coaching styles but have struggled to maintain them. Maurizio Sarri was the only such manager to achieve Serie A success, but even he had to compromise his style. Juventus has sacked multiple managers after short tenures, mirroring Motta`s fate with Sarri and Andrea Pirlo.
Igor Tudor will manage Juventus for the rest of the season, with a potential extension until 2026 if Champions League qualification is secured. Otherwise, Juventus will again seek a new coach. Potential candidates include Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Stefano Pioli. However, the immediate focus is salvaging the current season, a task crucial for Giuntoli`s future at the club.
