The Fall of Motta’s Relationship with the Juventus Dressing Room
Thiago Motta’s tenure as Juventus head coach has taken a tumultuous turn, with his relationship with key players in the dressing room deteriorating significantly. The recent Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat to Empoli, a shocking upset, only exacerbated the tensions. In the aftermath, Motta openly criticized the players, blaming them for the loss. This harsh stance has further strained an already fragile rapport, leading to a fractured atmosphere within the team.
A Series of Unhappy Players
One of the players most visibly affected by Motta’s management is Dusan Vlahovic. Before the Supercoppa, Motta had openly criticized Vlahovic’s attitude, leading to the Serbian striker being sidelined for several weeks. This public rebuke and subsequent benching have clearly soured their relationship. Vlahovic has been a standout player for Juventus in the past, and his alienation from the team’s leadership is a significant blow to morale.
The Departures and Public Disagreements
The departures of Moise Kean, Manuel Locatelli, and Nico Fagioli during the January transfer window have also contributed to the unrest. These players were vocal about their dissatisfaction with Motta’s management. After being sold, Daniel Fagioli and Danilo, the latter of whom was transferred to Manchester City, both expressed their frustrations with the coach’s methods. Douglas Luiz, another player who found himself out of favor, publicly spoke about the misunderstandings at the start of the season. These public disagreements have not only affected the players involved but have also created a broader sense of unease within the team.
The Rotating Captaincy and Hierarchy Changes
Another point of contention has been Motta’s decision to implement a rotating captaincy. This move was intended to foster a sense of equality and leadership among the players. However, it has backfired, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. Federico Gatti, who was initially given the captain’s armband at the start of the season, has been completely sidelined in recent weeks. Even Weston McKennie, who was previously out of favor, has been preferred over Gatti. These shifts in hierarchy have only added to the players’ frustration and mistrust of Motta’s decision-making.
Tactical Praise, Strict Methods
While many Juventus players appreciate Motta’s tactical ideas and vision for the team, they are less enthusiastic about his strict methods and high expectations. Motta demands a high level of discipline and commitment, which some players find difficult to meet. In a post-match interview following the Empoli defeat, Motta accused certain players of being demanding yet giving nothing back. He specifically mentioned Teun Koopmeiners and Nico Gonzalez, both of whom were substituted in the second half and booed by the Allianz Stadium crowd. Vlahovic, who remained on the pitch for 90 minutes, missed his penalty in the shootout, further fueling the coach’s disappointment.
The Uncertain Future
The club’s hierarchy is closely monitoring Motta’s situation, and his future at Juventus is now under scrutiny. Even a top-four finish in Serie A may not be enough to secure his position beyond the summer. The recent string of poor results and the growing tensions within the team have put Motta in a precarious position. The coming months will be crucial for both the coach and the club as they navigate this challenging period and seek to restore stability and success to the Bianconeri.
