Juventus legend Claudio Gentile, who wore the black and white shirt for eleven seasons, has never been one to mince words. In a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Gentile delivered a scathing assessment of the club’s current state, expressing deep frustration and disappointment at how far Juventus has strayed from its storied traditions and winning mentality.
“I get so angry, I have to turn off the television”
Gentile’s emotional connection to Juventus remains as strong as ever, but so does his disappointment. “I watch every Juventus match, but often I don’t manage to get to the 90th minute. I get so angry, I have to turn off the television,” he confessed. The breaking point came during a recent defeat to Parma: “The last time it happened was on Wednesday, against Parma. When I saw how Kelly was marking Pellegrino for the goal, I just couldn’t take it anymore.” For Gentile, the lack of defensive discipline and proper marking is emblematic of deeper issues plaguing the team.
“I see very little of the real Juventus, the kind that I know”
Gentile’s sense of alienation from the current squad is palpable. “I see very little of the real Juventus, the kind that I know. Perhaps Kenan Yildiz, a real talent who I think l’Avvocato (Gianni Agnelli) would’ve liked, but he’s not enough,” he remarked. The rest of the team, he says, “just leaves me bitter, like the results.” He reminisced about a time when the club’s leadership, figures like Agnelli and Boniperti, would remind players daily of what it meant to wear the Juventus shirt: “In my day, we had figures who from the start would tell lads, this is Juventus, there are certain things you cannot do. It is a different club.”
“When I was there, finishing second was almost a tragedy”
For Gentile, the club’s standards have slipped alarmingly. “Juve is a unique side for its winning mentality. When I was there, finishing second was almost a tragedy, now they are clinging to fourth place. They should at least be challenging for the Scudetto and not be so far from the top.” He laments that the current squad seems content with mediocrity, a far cry from the relentless pursuit of excellence that defined his era.
“There were many mistakes on the market, and many choices disappointed”
Gentile did not shy away from criticizing the club’s recent transfer activity. “There were many mistakes on the market, and many choices disappointed. I don’t like to name names, but certain disappointments are there for all to see.” He believes that the club’s recruitment has failed to deliver the quality and character needed to restore Juventus to its former glory.
“The coach is always the first to pay”
Reflecting on the managerial merry-go-round, Gentile offered a blunt assessment: “The coach is always the first to pay, so quite rightly Thiago Motta was sacked. He managed to combine good football with results at Bologna, but Juventus is a different club, you need to win here.” He recalled how, in his playing days, under Boniperti’s leadership, “after a season like this, it would have been almost impossible to earn well the following year.”
“With Boniperti, this would not have happened”
Gentile drew a sharp contrast between past and present club management: “With Boniperti, this would not have happened. He knew Juventus like few others and had a great eye for players: he rarely made a bad signing.” He suggested that current director Giuntoli has not lived up to these standards, stating, “With all due respect for Napoli, Juventus is a different club. And in Turin, you always have to try to win.”
“Antonio is a winner and he knows Juventus like few others”
Looking to the future, Gentile sees hope in the potential return of Antonio Conte: “Antonio is a winner and he knows Juventus like few others, so his return would be positive. It’s always useful to have people who know how to explain to players where they are and the jersey they are wearing.”
“Giorgio Chiellini also has the Juventus DNA”
Gentile praised Giorgio Chiellini as a figure who embodies the club’s values: “Giorgio Chiellini also has the Juventus DNA and deserves to be part of this club now. He was one of the last great defenders, you don’t see people marking properly anymore, they only want a centre-back to start play.”
“Tonali would be a great addition, but Juventus needs at least one top signing per department”
As for rebuilding, Gentile believes the solution is not a revolution but targeted quality signings: “Tonali would be a great addition, but Juventus needs at least one top signing per department to immediately return to fighting for the Scudetto. A new revolution would not be Juventus-like, but the team’s level must be raised.”
“I hope with all my heart that Juve makes it to the Champions League”
Despite his criticisms, Gentile’s passion for Juventus remains undiminished. “I hope with all my heart that Juve makes it to the Champions League, but after Parma, I got a little scared.”