Former Juventus defender Alessandro Birindelli recently shared his thoughts on the club’s current challenges, offering insights into Thiago Motta’s tenure and Igor Tudor’s appointment. His comments reflect a deep understanding of Juventus’ identity and the need for unity and resilience during transitional periods.
Birindelli remarked, “Football is made of cycles, and when one ends, patience and courage are needed. But above all, there should be a strong unity of purpose.” He emphasized that Juventus lacked this cohesion in recent months, stating, “Beyond technical or tactical discussions, I haven’t seen the necessary compactness between the club, the technical staff, and the team. It feels like everyone has been working in silos.”
Criticism of Thiago Motta
Birindelli did not hold back when discussing Thiago Motta’s approach during his brief stint as Juventus manager. “Thiago Motta lacked an understanding of the context; he was presumptuous, thinking he could replicate everything he built at Bologna. But Juventus, with all due respect, operates on a different level. He should have set aside his ego.” Despite being an admirer of Motta’s straightforward personality, Birindelli noted that adapting to new priorities and realities is crucial. He also criticized the club’s management for failing to provide adequate support: “The management never stepped forward to clarify the programming or offer necessary backing.”
Praise for Igor Tudor
Turning to Igor Tudor, Birindelli expressed optimism about his former teammate’s ability to instill Juventus values. “Igor is one of those people who can truly transmit the Juventus DNA—a fundamental value for the victories we achieved together. The squad had great quality back then, but we never gave up and always pushed beyond our limits.”
Birindelli described Tudor as “a genuine person,” adding, “He is exactly as he appears—straightforward and charismatic. Even as a young player at Juventus, he never held back his opinions. His authenticity is rare in today’s football.”
Looking Ahead
Regarding Juventus’ goals for the season, Birindelli advised caution and focus: “Optimism is essential when starting something new. However, thinking about upcoming fixtures against Bologna and Lazio would be a mistake right now. The team must work week by week and concentrate on one game at a time.”
