Why did Juventus sack Thiago Motta?

By tdf, March 24, 2025

Results

Under Thiago Motta, Juventus have won 18 of their 42 matches in all competitions, 43%; only two managers with at least 40 games with the Bianconeri have recorded a lower percentage of wins since 1929/30: Luigi Delneri (40%, 20/50) and Sandro Puppo (24%, 15/62).

Far too many draws.

Cowardly exits from the CL league against PSV, in the coppa italia against arguably a third string Empoli with 4th spot in the league anything but guaranteed.

Even with the above outlined, I don’t believe it was the sole or even pivotal factor in the dismissal.

Squad management

Motta appears to have alienated many players. Including those who he had kicked out, the rap sheet reads as Chiesa, Danilo, Fagioli, Cambiaso, Yildiz, Gatti, Perin, Vlahovic. I’m probably forgetting some even with this lengthy list.

To further create tensions, he has continued to bench players who showed good form, repeatedly select players who have been awful for many months, appears to punish any player who doesnt do exactly as he says, or even if they do!

In short, his man management has been appalling.

Tactics

After the early promise shown, his system then lurched towards mainly achieving draws. It became predictable. Other coaches were out coaching him. Individual moments of brilliance were what brought us the goals and any victories along the way.

His subs were often simply like for like, rather than reactive to what was happening on the field. Never any plan B. Just pass, pass and more passing with little penetration.

We have looked often toothless up top. Yildiz isolated against 2–3 opponents, not used barely at all in a more natural TQ role. Same issue for Chico who has some talent but was generally facing multiple opponents.

Koop was repeatedly chosen even when offering insipid to useless performances. Nico always playing, on the wrong flank, after producing many negative performances.

We showed barely any goals from crosses, the players so not seem coached to make runs to break the lines nor take long shots. Our set pieces have also been completely ineffectual. Motta’s tactics and coaching have been exceptionally poor.

Dusan and Yildiz both kept on the bench for that final horrid defeat against Fiorentina. Our two most effective attackers, not even given any minutes in a game we are losing 3–0!

Motta came across as icy, unable to accept any criticism, eager to wield the axe on players. He created disharmony, apparently also banned Chiellini from the training field/ dressing room.

The team looked dead and empty in those last two game of his tenure –

Juve 0–4 Atalanta

Fiorentina 3–0 Juve

My number one measure of any manager is how well he is able to get the players performing. How many are at their expected level or improving? The majority of this squad have regressed under Motta. Koopmeiners has seen the biggest drop-off I have ever seen in a player after moving clubs. Luiz and Gonzalez both also dropped considerably. These were the big money signings.

With the international break offering a two week pause from domestic action, now was the time for the upper management to reassess. Rumours of interviewing the players, of interviewing Motta. Between which and the obvious issues to any casual observer, with 9 games remaining to try achieve CL qualification the decision was made.

It appears John Elkann was directly involved. Demanding of the board to explain the issues and come up with solutions. Some suggest Giuntoli wanted Mancini, and he was over-ruled by the rest of the board and/or Elkann himself.

Giuntoli was given far too much autonomy. He has been part of the continued cutting of wages, yet he has also spent a huge amount and Motta was his pick. Part of this process involved shipping out younger players who many believe should have been kept – Hujisen, Soule, Fagioli, Kean, Nicolussi, Miretti.

His responsibility for this mess is clear. I assume his job is also under threat. In the least that his wings have been somewhat clipped, less autonomy, more influence of Scanavino, Ferrero, Calvo….Ideally, we will see coming into the club over the next few months a President and directors with clear football credentials. This may include replacing Giuntoli. Sartori, Brazzo for example. It is pleasing to find talk of Chiellini acting as a go between the club and Elkann.

It is essential for the club to get CL qualification. Absent of which more sales will be required and it will be harder to attract new talent as well as a top manager.

Tudor is a logical and brave choice. He was a solid CB for the club during his playing days. As a manager he has done a superb job in recent years at Verona and Marseille, quickly changing their fortunes and creating a strong side. His work at Lazio last season was also decent. He likes to play high pressing, aggressive direct football. Trains his squad hard, expects them to run all game. Has some of the Lippi/Conte school about him but also his own style. He is also more human than Motta. I imagine the complete opposite in many ways. Emotional, expressive, vocal, communicative. A steely determination. In another life he is commanding roman legions against barbarian berserker hordes.

It is a shame that he only has 12 games to make his mark. I hope its enough for the club to find a strong and capable leader for a squad who have lost hunger, tactical balance and cohesion.