The upcoming match against Verona on Monday evening will be a crucial test for Juventus and their embattled manager Thiago Motta. Following the team’s recent eliminations from both the Champions League and Coppa Italia, Motta’s post-match “J’accuse” – first to the media and then to the squad – will either serve as a positive shock or further strain his relationship with the players. This delicate situation has become a central topic of discussion in Italian sports media.
According to reports from various Italian newspapers (as quoted by IlBianconero), there’s a growing disconnect between Motta and his squad. For weeks, even before the recent eliminations, players have been complaining about the Italian-Brazilian coach’s lack of empathy and the inconsistent treatment of almost all team members. Issues range from the rotating captain’s armband to the handling of key players like Danilo, Nicolò Fagioli (both sold in January), Douglas Luiz, and Dusan Vlahovic, who found themselves marginalized for weeks.
The string of four consecutive league victories had temporarily masked these underlying problems. However, the recent setbacks have brought them back to the forefront. Motta now faces the challenge of convincing the club’s management on multiple fronts: improving the team’s playing style, which has shown little progress; enhancing his communication and rapport with the club environment; and regaining control of a dressing room that has shown signs of discontent.
Critics point out that Motta’s perceived lack of empathy in his relationship with the group is a significant concern. The club’s continued support for Motta is understandable, given the substantial investment made in players during recent transfer windows under his guidance. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli’s reputation is also tied to Motta’s success or failure.
The situation is further complicated by shared management decisions, such as the departures of high-earning players like Danilo, Szczesny, and Chiesa, as well as the handling of Vlahovic’s contract situation. With Motta and the management’s fates intertwined, any final decision will ultimately rest with the ownership, Exor and John Elkann.
