In a candid interview following his dismissal as Juventus manager, Thiago Motta refuted rumours of strained relationships with players and defended his decisions during a turbulent season. The former coach, replaced by Igor Tudor, addressed controversies surrounding Kenan Yildiz, Teun Koopmeiners, Dusan Vlahovic, and the team’s leadership dynamics.
Yildiz’s Potential and “Messi” Comments
Motta denied claims he discouraged young star Kenan Yildiz from emulating Lionel Messi: “Did I tell Yildiz not to feel like Messi? This never happened. I never said such a thing to Kenan.” He praised the 19-year-old’s work ethic and talent: “Yildiz is a young player with enormous potential. He started many games for us because he earned it. When I benched him, it was to protect him during inevitable dips in form. His best quality isn’t just technical skill—it’s his desire to improve. He has a future as a protagonist if he keeps working this way.”
Koopmeiners’ Adaptation Struggles
The coach acknowledged pressure on record signing Teun Koopmeiners: “He was burdened by high expectations from the start. His hefty price tag increased the weight on him.” Motta remained confident in the Dutch midfielder’s ability: “He’s a top-level player who excelled at Atalanta and internationally. Once expectations normalize and he adapts to his role, he’ll return to his best.”
Vlahovic’s Role and Captaincy Changes
Addressing Dusan Vlahovic’s sporadic appearances, Motta said: “Dusan played extensively because he deserved it. When injured, he showed respect for my decisions and always gave his all.” On rotating captains after Danilo’s departure, he explained: “Choosing a captain isn’t a game. Bremer had the authority, but Locatelli embodies the right values for this Juventus. Danilo accepted competition from Savona professionally.”
Coppa Italia “Shame” and Squad Rotation
Reflecting on the shocking Coppa Italia exit to Empoli, Motta admitted: “That performance wasn’t Juventus-worthy. I took responsibility first—there were no excuses. The players felt the disappointment too.” He defended frequent lineup changes: “Injuries and a packed schedule forced rotations. I always prioritized winning, even if not every decision was perfect.”
Leadership Style and Player Relationships
Motta rejected accusations of a “difficult” personality: “I’m direct and honest, not harsh. I prefer face-to-face discussions over drama. During matches, I let players take center stage—they’re the protagonists.” He dismissed notions of betrayal: “These players always trained hard, even through injuries. No one slacked off.”
Private Support Over Public Gestures
When asked if he expected public gratitude from players, Motta emphasized private communication: “Social media distorts reality. What matters are private messages, which I received from many—even those I was strict with. These show genuine appreciation for our shared journey.”
Despite an unceremonious exit, Motta’s focus remains on growth: “Every choice I made aimed to strengthen Juventus. I’ll carry these lessons forward.”
