Thiago Motta’s approach to communication as Juventus manager has undergone a significant transformation in recent months. La Gazzetta dello Sport report how, once known for shielding his players from criticism and acting as a buffer between the team and the media, Motta has now adopted a more direct and critical stance, particularly in the wake of recent disappointing results.
The turning point came after Juventus’ elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Empoli. Motta, visibly frustrated, used the word “shame” to describe the team’s performance, a term that will likely haunt this iteration of Juventus for some time. “I feel ashamed, and I hope my players feel the same,” Motta stated bluntly, adding, “We can make mistakes, but not with our attitude in this manner. The fans were too kind to us. We must apologize to the supporters, the club, and the history of this institution. We’ve hit rock bottom.”
This outburst marked a stark departure from Motta’s previous approach. In earlier stages of the season, even after defeats or underwhelming performances, he would often stand as the first line of defense for his team, offering explanations and shielding players from criticism. He frequently cited mitigating factors such as injuries or the team’s youth to protect his squad’s morale and spirit.
However, as the season progressed and results failed to improve, cracks began to appear in Motta’s protective façade. After a goalless draw in Bruges, he publicly challenged his attackers, demanding more contribution from them. This was an early sign of his shifting communication strategy, moving from a protector to a more demanding coach.
The elimination from the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven further highlighted this change. While Motta defended his tactical decisions, he also showed disagreement with captain Locatelli’s assessment of the match, indicating a willingness to contradict his players publicly when necessary.
Motta’s evolving communication style reflects the mounting pressure at Juventus and the need for accountability as the team struggles to meet expectations. His recent comments suggest a coach who is no longer content with shielding his players from criticism but is instead pushing for improved performances through more direct and sometimes harsh assessments.
