Socrates

How realistic is it that Juventus will make the top four this season? Thiago Motta guided Bologna to Champions League qualification last season, and following Juventus’ recent defeat to Fiorentina, his former club has now overtaken them in the Serie A table. For a club of Juventus’ stature, securing a place in the Champions League is an absolute necessity. However, their current league position after 29 matches is far from ideal. ............ Following the international break, Juventus will host Genoa before travelling to face AS Roma. They will then take on Lecce and Parma in what will be a crucial run of games. Historically, AS Roma would be expected to provide the toughest challenge in this stretch of fixtures. However, Juventus’ inconsistency under Motta makes it difficult to trust them to secure victories, even against teams they would typically be expected to beat. To secure a top-four finish, Juventus will likely need to win at least seven of their remaining nine league matches. This will also require those below them in the table to fail to match their results. Anything less than this target could spell trouble for the Old Lady, leaving them at risk of missing out on Champions League football next season. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/how-realistic-is-it-that-juventus-will-make-the-top-four-this-season/

Giuntoli’s job also at risk if Juve don’t qualify for the Champions League With how Juventus went into the international break, seeing the rumor mill turned into overdrive has not been a very surprising development. It’s two weeks to speculate and potentially set things up for Juve’s return to the field next Saturday, March 29, against Genoa — a game that has already been described as the potential final game for manager Thiago Motta. But what about the man who hired him? Juventus’ Champions League future will end up being a huge factor in the job status of Chief Football Officer Cristiano Giuntoli, who has a contract that runs through 2028. If Juve don’t qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, then Giuntoli’s job will certainly be at risk as the club continues to evaluate all options following a 2024-25 season that has not gone according to play for both the man who has constructed this roster and the one in charge of putting together the starting lineup each matchday. Basically: “If Motta is at risk today due to an understandable reflection by the management, it seems equally clear that Giuntoli — head of the sports area — is under discussion as the person responsible for the project.” ............ Juventus’ game against Genoa next weekend could be the final one Motta coaches in Turin if he does not get a positive result, with former Juve defender Igor Tudor reportedly the top candidate to take over in a caretaker role for the rest of the season. ............ That falls on the man who ended up signing them just as much — if not more — than the man who Giuntoli hired to manage the team. As much as we hear about “the project,” he is the man who has put all of this together, and that means potentially missing out on the Champions League next season after all this expenditure would be a major hinderance to Juventus’ immediate and long-term future. . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/3/21/24391073/juventus-cristiano-giuntoli-thiago-motta-2025-serie-a-champions-league-team-management

Genoa star expects a very angry Juventus when both clubs meet Juventus’ next match after the international break will be against Genoa, and it is a fixture that they absolutely must win. The Bianconeri have been struggling with their form recently, having disappointingly lost their last two matches. In those games, they conceded seven goals in total while failing to score a single one. This poor run of results has put a serious dent in their title ambitions, and while winning the league now seems unlikely, finishing inside the top four in Serie A is still very much within their reach. The importance of securing a spot in the Champions League for next season cannot be overstated. Missing out on Europe’s premier competition could have significant financial and sporting repercussions for Juventus, making the upcoming match against Genoa even more crucial. The team knows that they cannot afford to slip up again, especially against a side like Genoa, who will be motivated to cause an upset. Genoa’s Ruslan Malinovskyi spoke about the upcoming fixture, stating, “Against Juventus, it will be a difficult challenge because the last games they lost can create something for better or for worse, they could be very angry. We will have to be 100% and play a great game to win something.” ............ The players are aware that the fans and the club expect a strong reaction following their recent setbacks, including a humiliating loss to Atalanta and they will need to deliver a performance that reflects the magnitude of this match. A loss to Genoa would be unacceptable, and there would be no valid excuse for failing to win. ............ The team needs to regain their confidence and momentum if they are to finish the season on a high. The match against Genoa presents an opportunity for Juventus to bounce back. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/genoa-star-expects-a-very-angry-juventus-when-both-clubs-meet/

The most likely Motta replacement if he is sacked before end of the season Juventus are reportedly inclined to wait until the end of the season before making a final decision on Thiago Motta’s future, which means the manager will have several upcoming games to prove he is the right man for the job. While the Bianconeri are not entirely pleased with the lack of progress shown by the team this season, they still hold hope that Motta can turn things around before the campaign concludes. ............ If the team’s poor form persists after the international break, Juventus could be forced to part ways with Motta. In that eventuality, Igor Tudor is likely to be appointed as the interim manager for the remainder of the season. Tudor’s managerial career has seen him spend relatively short periods in his last two roles, but he managed to achieve respectable results during his time at both Olympique Marseille and Lazio. While Juventus are not considering him for a permanent managerial position, the club would bring him in to steady the ship and guide the team to secure a Champions League spot for next season. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/the-most-likely-motta-replacement-if-he-is-sacked-before-end-of-the-season/

Former Belgian national team coach linked to Juventus job Domenico Tedesco is another manager who has been linked with a move to Juventus as a potential replacement for Thiago Motta. The former midfielder, who has struggled to get the best out of his squad, now seems like a “dead man walking” at Juventus, with many believing he will likely be axed when this season concludes. If results do not improve in the coming weeks, Juventus may not even wait until the summer to part ways with the ex-Bologna boss. ............ Tedesco, who was recently the manager of Belgium, would likely prefer to forget his tenure with the national team, as it was not a successful spell for him. Despite this, Tedesco could be the next Juventus coach, even discussing potential formations he might use at the club. However, his time in charge of Belgium left much to be desired, and this raises serious questions about his suitability for Juventus, a club with high expectations. ............ Juventus, currently struggling to find consistency, needs a coach who has been very successful in recent years to lead the team. Experimenting with another manager who has failed to make a significant impact in another role might not be the wisest decision, especially when the club’s ambitions remain high. The Bianconeri require a manager who can hit the ground running and immediately improve results. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/former-belgian-national-team-coach-linked-to-juventus-job/

Fiorentina fined for offensive banner aimed at Juventus Juventus were recently insulted through a banner displayed in one of the stands during their match against Fiorentina, leading to a fine for La Viola. The incident highlights the ongoing animosity Juventus faces in Italian football, with the Bianconeri remaining one of the most despised clubs in the country, a status that is largely attributed to their success over the years. ............ As a result of the display, Fiorentina has been fined for failing to control its supporters. The Florence club has been handed a €50,000 fine and issued a serious warning. While the banner may have been intended to provoke or unsettle Juventus, it is unlikely that the players were caught off guard. Such displays of hostility have become a familiar part of the matchday experience for Juve, who are used to being targeted by rival fans, especially in high-stakes encounters. It is simply another attempt by supporters to make Juventus uncomfortable and, perhaps, gain an edge in the game. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/fiorentina-fined-for-offensive-banner-aimed-at-juventus/

A poor result vs. Genoa could spell the end for Thiago Motta at Juventus The waning weeks of the Serie A 2024-25 campaign seem to be shaping up exactly as pundits, podcasters, and fans believed it would, with a battle between Inter Milan and Napoli, while the boys from Bergamo, Atalanta, try desperately to work their way back into Scudetto competition. What nobody could have predicted to come from this season is the continued utter disaster that has come from the first year of the Thiago Motta and Cristiano Giuntoli experiment. In articles from the late-summer months of 2024, I praised the decision from the Juventus board to bring in a newer, younger manager that had only weeks prior to his appointment had led Bologna on a miraculous run to Champions League qualification. ............ The new system is vastly different from what the Juventus faithful have seen over the years, and it began early on with some key departures and arrivals. To name a few, Federico Chiesa was welcomed at Liverpool, Dean Hujisen found his stride at Bournemouth, and Fabio Miretti was loaned to Genoa. With some extra Champions League and transfer cash lying around, the powers that be decided to bring on some players who on paper seemed perfect. Teun Koopmeiners who can claim a European trophy, two-time Conference League runner-up Nico Gonzalez, and Brazil Olympic gold medalist Douglas Luiz. Again, on paper ,this all made perfect sense. ............ Over the period of two months, the Bianconeri were knocked out of the Supercoppa, Champions League, and Coppa Italia. These crash outs, while not unheard of for the Old Lady, came at the hand of some of the worst possible clubs out there. ............ To make matters worse, it seems that almost weekly there are reports about relationships breaking down between Motta and members of the squad. Some of these were naturally going to occur — Dusan Vlahovic’s disenchantment with the management after Randal Kolo Muani showed up, or more recently with Kenan Yildiz riding the bench for the entire Fiorentina match. ............ The history of Juventus is that of players who eat, sleep, and breathe a love of their club. They know the stories, titles, and colors are not simply part of a game, but a way of life. Giorgio Chiellini sometimes tells a story of a famous draw against AC Milan, where Alessandro Del Piero was furious in the locker room after. “After a 0-0 to Milan at San Siro, the whole team was happy going back into the locker room. Milan were really strong and we were a new team. Del Piero started kicking everything in sight. We all looked at him strangely except for Buffon who said to let him be. Alex then called the team and said: ‘Your happiness pisses me off. We can’t be happy with a tie. Our mentality must grow because at Juventus a tie is a defeat. Get that into your heads.’ That was the day I understood what it meant to wear the Juventus jersey.” This very mentality has slowly left Juventus over the years. ............ Juventus are, and always will be “una storia di un grande amore.” But that “grande amore” for the Bianconeri has disappeared, and there is management, select players, office staff, and even some fans to blame for this. ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/3/19/24388185/juventus-failed-experiment-thiago-motta-cristiano-giuntoli-2025-serie-a-champions-league-management

Marocchino explains where Motta has gotten it wrong at Juventus Thiago Motta has made some positive contributions as Juventus manager, but when he reflects on his time in charge, he will recognise several key mistakes. ............ Such an outcome would be a major disappointment, but the club remains hopeful that the squad can at least achieve this objective before a final decision is made on the manager’s future. The expectations at Juventus are always high, and anything less than success is seen as a failure. ............ Domenico Marocchino, who has closely followed Juventus this season, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performances and highlighted several mistakes Motta has made. He stated: “He’s too rooted in four or five of his concepts. I see players out of position, and then against Fiorentina, you can’t leave out Gatti and Cambiaso, putting in two central defenders who have only played two matches together. The clean-up he initially tried to do in the dressing room wasn’t intelligent. I wasn’t a big fan of Danilo, but he had personality. The only player capable of performing all three phases of a wing player is Mbangula. I’m not saying he’s the strongest, but he’s the only one who can do that specific job. “Juve struggle more when they play with only two midfielders. That is the real issue. In modern football, you can’t rely on just two midfielders because you won’t be able to maintain control of the game at the required intensity. You need a third player in the centre.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-explains-where-motta-has-gotten-it-wrong-at-juventus/

Damascelli says Giuntoli does not have the power to sack Motta Cristiano Giuntoli is widely regarded as the main decision-maker at Juventus, and many expect him to determine the future of Thiago Motta. The former midfielder has struggled in his role as manager, and there is a growing belief that his time on the Juventus bench is coming to an end. Despite his difficulties, the club appears to be waiting until the end of the season before making any final decisions regarding his future. ............ Under his leadership, Juventus have taken steps to reinforce the squad and build a team capable of competing at the highest level. However, journalist Tony Damascelli has now questioned whether Giuntoli truly has the authority to make such a crucial decision. ............ “He has no authority to confirm or sack the coach. The final decision always lies with the majority shareholder or the CEO, who were clearly occupied elsewhere. Giuntoli merely delivered the statements that were expected of him. From the coach, however, perhaps it would have been reasonable to expect his resignation.” ............ This raises questions about the real power structure at Juventus and whether Giuntoli is simply a figurehead when it comes to managerial decisions. While he may play a significant role in player recruitment and overall sporting direction, it seems the final say on the club’s head coach remains with the upper management. ............ The situation is now at a critical point, and Juventus must assess whether Motta is the right man to lead them forward. If he fails to turn things around, the club will have no choice but to seek a new manager who can restore their competitive edge. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-says-giuntoli-does-not-have-the-power-to-sack-motta/

Journalist discusses how costly it will be for Juventus with no Champions League There is a good chance that Juventus will not qualify for the next Champions League, as they continue to struggle with their form. Before their match against Atalanta, the Bianconeri were on a five-game winning streak, and it seemed as though they were on course for an unstoppable finish to the season. However, their momentum was halted by La Dea, and they suffered another defeat to Fiorentina shortly after, conceding seven goals across both matches. What makes this even more worrying for the club is that they failed to score a single goal in either game. ............ Marco Bellinazzo, a football expert, commented on how costly it would be for Juventus not to participate in the Champions League next season. He said: “It would weigh heavily. Juventus’ recovery plan is based on participation in the Champions League in the coming years. A possible participation in the Europa League could mitigate the burden, but we are talking about a competition that in terms of prize money is worth a fifth of the Champions League.” Not playing in the Champions League next season would have significant financial and reputational consequences for Juventus, and it is vital that the club does everything in its power to secure qualification. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-discusses-how-costly-it-will-be-for-juventus-with-no-champions-league/

Marco Tardelli insists Motta has lost the Juventus dressing room The last straw for most managers is losing the trust and support of their dressing room, and it seems that Thiago Motta has reached this point in his tenure at Juventus. The former midfielder was appointed as the club’s head coach at the start of this season, but he has struggled to meet the high expectations that come with managing the club. ............ One of the most significant concerns is that Motta seems to be struggling to retain the support of his players, with his squad appearing disjointed and lacking in direction. Juventus fans are accustomed to success, and they have little patience for managers who cannot deliver results. While Motta will likely hope for more time to prove that he can turn things around, many believe that his position is becoming increasingly untenable. ............ Marco Tardelli, a former Juventus player and coach, expressed his concerns about the relationship between Motta and his players. He suggested that the coach has lost the dressing room and that the defeats to Atalanta and Fiorentina are indicative of deeper issues. Tardelli said: “The defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina? Well, if only the last two games were the problem. The relationship between Thiago Motta and the team now seems clearly damaged: there is no dressing room anymore.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/marco-tardelli-insists-motta-has-lost-the-juventus-dressing-room/

Di Livio says Juventus best players hide during tough moments After conceding seven goals in consecutive matches and suffering defeat in both, Juventus finds itself in a deep crisis, with increasing doubts over the future of manager Thiago Motta. The alarming downturn in form has raised serious concerns among fans and analysts alike, as the team struggles to meet expectations. ............ According to Angelo Di Livio, Juventus’ most influential players have failed to rise to the occasion. He stated: “I don’t see any leaders in this team: the best hide, while they should emerge precisely in these moments. During the game, Juve appears resigned and incapable of reacting. Seven goals conceded in two games is really too many. There are no explanations.” Juventus’ defensive frailties, coupled with a lack of leadership on the pitch, have left them vulnerable. Motta has undoubtedly been let down by some of his key players, who have failed to take responsibility in critical moments. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-says-juventus-best-players-hide-during-tough-moments/

Juventus request investigation into insulting Fiorentina choreography Juventus have reportedly contacted the relevant authorities to request an investigation into the choreography from the Fiorentina supporters before kick-off in their Serie A match over the weekend, which involved the unfurling of a message that read: ‘Juve M***A’. ............ Fiorentina, led by Raffaele Palladino who is also fighting for his job, made life uncomfortable for the Bianconeri during their trip to Tuscany over the weekend, providing a lesson on the pitch as well as a few insulting messages to the club and its players throughout the game. ............ Former Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic was also the subject of taunting chants, asking ‘Where’s Vlahovic’ after his run of starts on the bench. Nico Gonzalez, who moved to Juve from Fiorentina in the summer, was not spared any insults either. ............ Juventus have been in contact with the FIGC and the Lega Serie A to request an investigation and clarification over the pre-match message that read: ‘Juve M***A’. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-request-investigation-fiorentina-tifo/

Tacchinardi urges Thiago Motta to resign: “He lost the team” Alessio Tacchinardi was hoping to see Juventus head coach Thiago Motta leave his post for the sake of his beloved club. ............ After the contest, Thiago Motta insisted he still has every desire to stay at the club, explaining how leaving Turin at this stage would be the easy thing to do. Nevertheless, the 42-year-old will have to endure the unpleasant comments of fans and pundits alike. Even the ever-so-classy Alessandro Del Piero couldn’t find a positive thing to say about the current crop of Juventus players and their manager who made a series of baffling choices during the contest. ............ But while the iconic Number 10 didn’t go as far as to demand Motta’s head, his old teammate Tacchinardi was happy to go the extra mile. ............ “After the match, I thought Thiago Motta could resign,” said the 49-year-old during his appearance on Pressing. “He’s right to move forward and not give up an inch. I say this because I saw a team that isn’t responding after the last bad performance [against Atalanta]. “He’d have spoken to the players and then you can see the result. This means he lost the team. The feeling is that there isn’t a great feeling between him and the squad.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/tacchinardi-urges-thiago-motta-juventus-he-lost-the-team/

Bergomi berates Cristiano Giuntoli: “You are at Juventus!” Legendary Inter defender Giuseppe Bergomi tries to give Juventus Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli a wake-up call. The former Napoli sporting director arrived in Turin in the summer of 2023 with much fanfare following his great exploits in Southern Italy. ............ So while a section of fans and pundits is pointing the finger towards Giuntoli for failing to make the right recruitments, others believe the problem lies in the manager who hasn’t been able to conjure the best version out of the new signings, as well as the old players. Either way, Bergomi hasn’t been impressed with some of the statements made by the former Carpi director, as they illustrate a mentality that isn’t worthy of a great club like Juventus. ............ “More than the tactical aspect, I wonder where Juve is from an identity perspective,” said the Inter icon during his appearance on Sky Sport Italia following the Bianconeri’s heavy defeat in Florence. “At the moment, this aspect is not there. Giuntoli said ‘Eh but, you were the ones who talked about the scudetto’. Well, you are at Juventus, of course they will throw the Scudetto talk in your face. The club lacks personality.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/beppe-bergomi-berates-cristiano-giuntoli-you-are-at-juventus/

“You waged war on your cousin” – Criscitiello names Elkann as ultimate culprit in Juventus demise The outspoken Michele Criscitiello dropped bombs on Juventus majority owner John Elkann, identifying him as the person responsible for the ongoing crisis at the club. The Bianconeri’s campaign has been underwhelming from the get-go, but has recently descended into chaos, with the horrified fans forced to watch their beloved club disintegrate before their very eyes. ............ Nevertheless, Criscitiello takes a swipe at the very top of the hierarchy when giving his unfiltered take on the chaotic situation at the club. ............ The Sportitalia editor-in-chief directly blames Elkann for all that has befallen Juventus recently, noting how he chased his cousin Andrea Agnelli out of the club so he could install his own men. “Juve’s problem is Elkann. You had two opportunities to show what you’re worth, you waged war on your cousin but objectively football is not for him,” wrote the Italian journalist. ............ “At Juve, even football men are failing, even Giuntoli is under fire for the choice of players and coach that was completely botched.” ............ “There wasn’t just one day when the club aimed for the Scudetto title. It doesn’t mean that the team is bad but there is a problem at the very base: they are playing against the coach. “If Thiago Motta were to pay then it would be Giuntoli’s turn next, but to protect a possible fourth place, you have to change coach.” . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/criscitiello-names-elkann-as-ultimate-culprit-in-juventus-demise/

Juventus management meets Motta and makes two requests to end crisis Italian sources report the Juventus management had a ‘long meeting’ with coach Thiago Motta today, requesting more defensive solidity and ’empathy’ with the team. ............ Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed his trust in Motta after a 3-0 loss against Fiorentina on Sunday, while the coach refused to resign, claiming it would be “too easy” to step down. ............ Giuntoli and CEO Maurizio Scanavino sat down with Thiago Motta for a long meeting at lunchtime today, confirming that the coach was not at risk of sacking. Nevertheless, directors insisted they expected a quick U-turn to reach a Champions League placement. ............ According to the reports, Juventus directors urged Motta to regain defensive solidity and have a better connection with the players. Previous reports claimed that the relationship between Motta and part of the dressing room had deteriorated. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-management-meet-motta-requests-crisis/

Ex-Juventus players blame Motta: ‘I hope the team stops following his instructions’ Giancarlo Marocchi hopes Juventus players ‘stop following’ Thiago Motta’s instructions, while Alessio Tacchinardi wonders how long the ex-Italy international can remain at the helm. ............ “You reach this point when the coach completely confuses you. In this fantastic sport, there are always surprises; you never know how your teammate is feeling, let alone the other team. Juve looks drained, with no answers,” ex-Juventus midfielder Marocchi said. ............ Marocchi sees a big responsibility from the coach. “Emptying the players’ minds and souls is the worst thing you can do,” he said. “By doing this, as Motta loves to do and as he did at Bologna, you weaken the team, making it incapable of reacting in difficult moments. In terms of approach, Gatti should never be left out. “I hope the team stops following Motta’s instructions because if they continue to, we’ll keep seeing performances like this. Every Sunday, we don’t know who’s going to play. Motta may have a logical reason for his choices, but we watch the games and can see no certainties.” Another ex-Juventus midfielder, Tacchinardi, was just as critical. “Continuing with Thiago Motta until the end? More than ‘until the end,’ the real question is whether it’s ‘until we hurt ourselves.’ Today, I feel really disappointed.” ............ “I truly believed in Thiago Motta, but he’s going through a very tough time. The lineups, the substitutions, the management of the locker room, the handling of Vlahovic, the lack of reaction. He had a whole week to prepare for this match against Fiorentina. Juve must decide if he is the right profile to secure a top-four finish. Among the teams fighting for that spot, Juventus is the best, the most expensive squad. Who would I replace him with? I don’t know, but a wake-up call is needed.” Juventus will also play in the Club World Cup in June. “That’s another story; they need to focus on finishing fourth, or it will be a huge financial hit,” Tacchinardi concluded. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/ex-players-blame-motta-stop-follow-instruction/

Juventus woes piling up as two players suffer injuries against Fiorentina As if getting hammered at the hands of their rivals wasn’t enough, Juventus also lost Andrea Cambiaso and Lloyd Kelly to injuries. ............ To make matters even worse for the Bianconeri, Andrea Cambiaso, who came in for the disappointing Nico Gonzalez in the second half, ended up suffering an ankle injury, and not for the first time. As many Juventus fans might recall, the Italian wingback has been dealing with recurring ankle problems between December and January which derailed his early-season momentum. But after seemingly overcoming these issues, the player was dealt a fresh blow on Sunday, as he had to be assisted by members of the medical staff while leaving the pitch, as he couldn’t walk on his own. ............ It remains to be seen if this new setback is directly related to his previous problems or an entirely fresh one. But while Cambiaso’s injury was easily picked up by the cameras due to his dramatic exit, Kelly’s issue went unnoticed as he calmly made his way towards the dugout, leaving his place on the pitch to Federico Gatti. The Englishman was also replaced due to a physical problem. ............ Juventus fans will be hoping that Cambiaso’s condition, in particular, won’t be too serious, as he remains by far the most consistent full-back in the squad this season. Sadly for the 24-year-old, this untimely blow ruled him out of Italy’s squad for the UEFA Nations League clashes against Germany. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-woes-cambiaso-kelly-injuries/

Di Gregorio insists Juventus players still back Motta Michele Di Gregorio admits he doesn’t know what Juventus lack, but insists players still ‘follow’ coach Thiago Motta. ............ “We feel bad, just like we did after the Atalanta match,” Di Gregorio said at a post-match press conference. “We are the first to suffer, to be disappointed, and to know that performances like the last two are not enough; they are not up to Juventus’ standards. But we also know that the way out is through work, sticking together as a team, working and working. That’s all that matters because, in situations like this, it’s hard to pinpoint precisely what’s missing. We need to approach it from every angle.” ............ “The director (Giuntoli) spoke to us and, as always, tried to give us energy and a push to start again. Feeling sorry for ourselves is useless in football, just as it is in life. We need to react,” said Di Gregorio. ............ “We didn’t speak after the match because, after games, it’s best not to talk. We need to analyse ourselves both individually and as a group.” ............ “It may feel that way, but giving up is not a word we consider,” the goalkeeper argued. “To some, it might seem like that. But the team will not give up. These are difficult, challenging moments, no doubt. What are we missing? I don’t know. I will rewatch the match several times if needed. We will talk and understand and listen to everyone because we are a team. We need to figure out where the difficulties lie. Now, there is a break, and we will have time to reflect. When we return, we will all talk and regroup.” ............ “Of course, we follow the coach, what he tells us, his ideas,” said the ex-Monza keeper. “This is the moment to come together—the staff and the coach. Everyone united because all share the disappointment and frustration. By the coach, by the staff. We need to work; I have always faced difficulties this way. And in tough times, I have always worked even harder.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/di-gregorio-juventus-players-back-motta/

Santarelli slams Motta and says he “should be fired tonight” Journalist Alessandro Santarelli has argued that Thiago Motta’s tenure as Juventus manager should come to an end following their defeat to Fiorentina. After Juventus’s humiliating 4-0 loss at home to Atalanta in their previous league fixture, fans had expected a much-improved performance this time around. However, the team’s low confidence after the Atalanta game was apparent, and Santarelli believes that it is the responsibility of a manager to instil belief in his players, especially when under pressure. ............ Santarelli, clearly frustrated with the team’s ongoing struggles, compared the current Juventus side unfavourably to the one managed by Andrea Pirlo. In his view, even Pirlo’s Juventus was more competitive than the team Motta has overseen. ............ “We are faced with the worst coach to have been with Juventus in the last 20 years. Because he is presumptuous, because of how he has divided the dressing room and because he has not understood that Juve is not Bologna. “At least Pirlo knew what Juventus was. Motta should be fired tonight because he has made this team look embarrassing. The other one I am calling into question is Giuntoli, who chose the wrong coach and made the wrong transfer campaign.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-slams-motta-and-says-he-should-be-fired-tonight/

Del Piero sees ‘serious issue’ in Juventus’ loss against Fiorentina Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero believes the ‘serious issue’ in a 3-0 loss against Fiorentina was the Old Lady’s lack of reaction: ‘No one can be at peace.’ ............ “It’s difficult for me to comment; I’m emotionally involved,” Del Piero said. “The serious issue is that there was no reaction. This was a night that did not reflect the Juventus spirit at all. You can lose but with your head held high. Today, no one, neither on the bench nor in management, can be at peace or say they gave everything. There was no reaction on the field, none on the bench.” ............ Juventus coach Thiago Motta refused to resign, and director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed that the club are convinced to continue with the ex-Italy international at the helm. “The substitutions were three defenders; there must have been a reason, but this is a broader issue, a matter of mentality,” Del Piero continued. “There is no reaction here, nothing at all. Credit to Fiorentina, who faced difficult moments and came through them. Teams go through tough times, and Fiorentina handled theirs by coming together with their coach. Seven goals conceded in two matches. There’s not much else to say about Juventus.” Bologna’s win over Lazio on Sunday saw the Rossoblu climb to the fourth spot, leapfrogging the Bianconeri. Juventus are now one point below a Champions League spot. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/del-piero-serious-issue-juventus-fiorentina/

Thiago Motta refuses to give up, but here’s what’s keeping him in his job Despite another harrowing defeat, Thiago Motta has no plans to evacuate, and Juventus aren’t planning to wield the axe just yet. The Bianconeri were hoping to bounce back from their humiliating 0-4 demolition at the hands of Atalanta on the previous weekend, but Fiorentina ended up piling more misery on their most hated rivals by putting three unanswered goals past an almost unrecognizable team, lacking quality, character and determination. ............ “We need to improve how we handle difficulties, because at the first sign of a tough situation we struggle to react, and this happened again today. We need balance, both in defence and in attack, and we have to work to regain the solidity we had before,” Motta told the press after the contest. “Leaving? It would be too easy, and I never choose the easy way out. Our goal remains Champions League qualification, we’ll find a way to get back to winning ways from our next game.” ............ Now this situation begs the following question: Why have Juventus decided to stick with an under-fire manager who has clearly lost the plot? Well, according to several sources in the Italian media, the answer is rather simple: Money! As we all know by now, the Bianconeri aren’t enjoying their most prosperous years, neither from a sporting nor economic perspective. And while Motta’s first season in Turin has been miserable by all means, at least his wages remain affordable. ............ Nevertheless, sacking the 42-year-old would require a certain exit package for him and his squad, while a reputable replacement would almost certainly command larger wages. Now one might argue that missing out on the Champions League would be even more costly, but that is not how the management is viewing it, at least for now. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/thiago-motta-refuses-to-give-up-but-heres-whats-keeping-him-in-his-job/