Leonardo Bonucci, former Juventus and Italy defender, has shared his candid thoughts on Juventus’ current state and the future of coach Thiago Motta. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by Calciomercato), Bonucci did not hold back, addressing the team’s recent humiliating defeat to Atalanta and offering his perspective on the club’s direction.
Reflecting on Juventus’ 4-0 loss to Atalanta, Bonucci described the experience as heart-breaking. “I watched the match on TV with my kids. They were desperate just like me. It broke my heart,” he admitted. “It was a tough day for us Juventus fans. I saw the team struggling a lot.”
Bonucci compared the scene to the bleak days of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting how fans’ emotions must be respected. “The Stadium, in recent matches, has put pressure on those who lack experience and leadership. I hope it can go back to being the extra factor that has driven so many victories. Everything depends on results.”
He emphasized that Juventus must grow in all aspects of their game, highlighting a lack of incisiveness and personality among players. “Motta’s style of play is nice, but in some situations, the team struggles to finish in front of goal.”
When asked whether Motta should remain as coach if Juventus fail to secure a Champions League spot, Bonucci offered a nuanced response. “It depends on the club’s objectives. If you want to win immediately, you change in June and bring in Conte. Otherwise, you give time to Motta and Giuntoli to lay the foundations for a winning future.”
Bonucci acknowledged that Motta has brought improvements but stressed that patience is required for long-term success. “Motta has allowed Juventus to dominate games in terms of play, but that doesn’t mean winning. Next season, with the growth of young players and 2-3 new signings, there will be a base to start fresh.”
However, he also called on Motta to step up his game. “Motta needs to learn that coaching Juve is a completely different world. He’s smart and has to understand what pieces need to be put in place. Saying ‘we’re sad and disappointed’ is not enough. Against Atalanta, we made a fool of ourselves.”
Bonucci criticized the lack of visible leadership from Juventus’ management during tough times. “Strangely, no one stepped up to take responsibility. Agnelli did it after a defeat in Haifa.” He suggested that figures like Giorgio Chiellini could eventually take on more prominent roles but cautioned against expecting quick fixes.
On the positive side, Bonucci highlighted some promising young players like Yildiz and Thuram while stressing their need for further development. “Yildiz has played far more under Motta than he did with Allegri, and now you can sell him for €70-80 million.” However, he warned that star striker Dusan Vlahovic might leave if Motta stays as coach: “If Motta stays, I don’t think Vlahovic will. He started off strong, but something changed.”
Despite his criticisms, Bonucci expressed hope for Juventus’ future if they make the right adjustments. “If we had beaten Atalanta, Juventus would be right up there fighting for the Scudetto. Right now, we don’t have a squad built to win the title, but there’s something to work with.”
