In a recent interview with Messaggero Veneto, former Juventus manager Gigi Delneri shared his thoughts on his time at the club during the challenging 2010-11 season and offered his perspective on the current situation under Thiago Motta’s leadership.
Comparing Past and Present
When asked if he was bothered by comparisons to the current Juventus team, Delneri remained composed. “No, especially because the analyses are not always truthful,” he stated. “My team was evolving, it was meant to be a transition year, and we didn’t have the investments made last summer. Before Quagliarella and Iaquinta’s injuries, we were third in the standings. Then we made some mistakes, that’s undeniable.”
Motta’s Challenges
Delneri didn’t hold back when discussing the pressure on current manager Thiago Motta. “At Juve, you always have to play to win, no matter where, how, or when,” he explained. “Motta’s football is part of a long-term project, based on a culture of passing, but Turin is not Bologna. In Emilia, they give time for coaches and players to make mistakes, at Juventus, they don’t.”
Lack of Juventus Identity
The former coach highlighted a crucial issue in the current squad: “Well, indeed, there are no long-serving players who can transmit this sense of belonging, which is a crucial concept. I had Del Piero and Marchisio, and then Buffon who returned after back surgery.”
When asked about the possibility of Del Piero joining the club’s management, Delneri was supportive: “I don’t know about that, but I would be in favor. Football is not just about technique and tactics.”
Tactical Concerns
Delneri expressed his disagreement with Motta’s approach, particularly regarding player positioning. “Koopmeiners and Nico Gonzalez haven’t found a clear and definitive role. They often change positions, and this has confused them. Changing players’ positions is part of Motta’s philosophy, which I don’t quite agree with.”
Future Prospects
Despite recent setbacks, Delneri believes the fourth place is still within reach for Juventus. “Yes, provided there’s a change of course starting with the match against Genoa,” he said. “The seven goals conceded in the last two games are a big burden, and there will be tension to get results at all costs.”
