Thiago Motta has broken his silence following his dismissal as Juventus head coach, sharing his side of the story in an interview with Corriere della Sera. While acknowledging the challenges and disappointments during his time at the club, Motta firmly rejected claims of failure and rumours that he had lost the support of his players.
Reflecting on the season that ended prematurely for him, Motta said, “It’s hard to analyse, as this happened recently. Of course, I am disappointed because everything did not go as we hoped. However, I do not agree when I hear talk of failures: our work was interrupted when we were just one point away from fourth place in the league, which was our primary goal at the beginning of the season.”
Motta explained that he joined Juventus with enthusiasm, fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead. His appointment was part of a three-year project aimed at rejuvenating the squad and implementing significant changes. “When I accepted this role, I knew it would be a long-term project based on a deep revolution within the team and its radical renewal. I am well aware that in teams of Juve’s calibre, winning is a must, especially after many years without it. The project, of course, did not go as we wanted or envisioned it,” he admitted.
Despite public assurances from Juventus management earlier in the season about their confidence in him, Motta understood the pressures that come with managing a club of this stature. “Publicly, they expressed their confidence and desire to continue. Important signals, which ultimately provide peace and encourage further work. We always believed that we should continue working hard to finish the season in fourth place and qualify for the Champions League. But I know football and that everything can end like it did because for such a great team like Juventus, winning is a necessary condition.”
“I Would Change Many Things”
Motta candidly admitted that he made mistakes during his tenure but defended the overall effort put into transforming the squad under difficult circumstances. “We did a lot of things well, but there are many other things I would probably change. I always analyze various aspects. Even after a win, I think about what could be changed—be it game strategy, substitutions, or the starting lineup. It’s not the case that when you win, everything is perfect. I would do a lot of things differently. In the last two games, we performed poorly, so I would have changed my choices. No one without arrogance denies their mistakes.”
He also highlighted how injuries and an entirely revamped squad posed additional challenges but maintained that they were close to achieving their objectives before his dismissal. “A completely new team, plagued by injuries, was close to reaching its set goal. But I accepted the club’s decision and hope for the best for Juve.”
“I Did Not Have the Locker Room Against Me”
One rumor Motta vehemently denied was that he had lost control of the locker room or faced opposition from his players. “These are the things that bother me because they can criticize me as a coach for my decisions—this I obviously accept. But anyone who says I had the locker room against me is lying. It’s unacceptable; it’s not true. Never has anyone I’ve worked with publicly said they had issues with me.”
He described his relationship with his players as professional and respectful: “At Juve, I had an excellent relationship with all my players professionally and personally—a relationship based on respect and clarity.” While acknowledging that players who played less might have been unhappy—something he experienced himself during his playing career—he insisted this never translated into animosity or rebellion within the team.
“I Won’t Accept Personal Attacks”
Motta expressed frustration over personal attacks directed at him during his time at Juventus and stressed that criticism should remain focused on football-related matters rather than baseless rumors. “I have had to listen to not technical criticisms—always worth considering—but personal attacks during this period. This way of acting in the shadows is arrogant and indecent because my relationship with my players and with the team was excellent.” He praised his players for their dedication: “These guys have always given everything; they’ve always done their best.”
Despite parting ways with Juventus under challenging circumstances, Thiago Motta remains optimistic about both his future and that of his former club: “I accepted the club’s decision and hope for the best for Juve.”
