With nine matches remaining in the Serie A season, Juventus find themselves in a precarious position after suffering heavy defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina. These losses have pushed the Bianconeri down to fifth place, just one point shy of the coveted Champions League qualification spot. As the pressure mounts, manager Thiago Motta is pulling out all the stops to turn the team’s fortunes around.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that despite receiving a vote of confidence from Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli following the Fiorentina debacle, Motta knows that the upcoming match against Genoa on March 29 could be pivotal for his future at the club. With 14 players away on international duty, Motta and his staff are working tirelessly at the Continassa training ground to regroup and reinvigorate the squad for the season’s final stretch.
Motta’s strategy involves three key elements:
Team Bonding Dinner
Taking a page from their successful pre-Inter Milan match playbook, where a team dinner preceded a crucial 1-0 victory, Motta is planning another gathering before the Genoa clash. This approach aims to foster unity and boost morale within the squad, recognizing that team spirit could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season.
One-on-One Player Meetings
The Juventus manager intends to conduct individual talks with available players before the internationals return. These conversations are designed to address any concerns, realign goals, and reinforce a sense of purpose within the dressing room. Motta believes that rebuilding confidence and cohesion is crucial for navigating the challenging fixtures ahead.
Tactical Flexibility
In a bold move, Motta is considering abandoning his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been a staple throughout the season. The coach is exploring alternatives such as a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system, with a particular focus on maximizing the potential of strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani. Vlahovic has struggled to maintain his starting position, while Kolo Muani’s initial impact has waned in recent matches.
The lack of goals in the defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina has highlighted Juventus’ offensive woes. Motta’s tactical shift aims to create better conditions for his forwards to rediscover their scoring touch, which could be the key to salvaging Juventus’ Champions League ambitions.
