Juventus Football Club has officially parted ways with head coach Thiago Motta, ending his tenure less than a year after his appointment, according to widespread reports from Italian media on Sunday. The decision comes after a string of disappointing results, culminating in heavy defeats against Atalanta (4-0) and Fiorentina (3-0) in recent weeks, which have jeopardized the clubâs ambitions for the 2024-25 season. Replacing Motta will be former Juventus player and assistant coach Igor Tudor, who is set to take charge as interim manager until the end of the current campaign.
Motta, 42, arrived at Juventus in June 2024 with high expectations following an impressive stint at Bologna, where he led the team to a fifth-place finish in Serie A during the 2023-24 season. However, his time in Turin has been marked by inconsistency and tactical uncertainty. In 42 matches across all competitions, Juventus under Motta recorded 18 wins, 16 draws, and 8 lossesâa 43% win rate that ranks among the lowest for managers with at least 40 games in the clubâs modern history. The teamâs elimination from the Champions League by PSV Eindhoven and the Coppa Italia by Empoli last month, combined with the recent league setbacks, sealed his fate.
Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli delivered a scathing assessment to Motta in a face-to-face meeting, allegedly stating, âI am ashamed at having chosen you.â The sentiment reflects growing frustration within the clubâs hierarchy, particularly as Juventus sit just one point below fourth-placed Bologna in the Serie A standings, with Champions League qualificationâa financial lifeline for the clubâhanging in the balance.
The decision to sack Motta was finalized after days of deliberation involving Giuntoli and club owner John Elkann, with multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Football Italia, confirming the move on Sunday afternoon. Juventus acted swiftly to secure Tudor, 46, who is expected to arrive in Turin later today to sign a caretaker contract through June 2025. Tudor, a Croatian tactician with prior experience at Juventus as a player and assistant under Andrea Pirlo in 2020-21, brings familiarity to the role. His recent managerial stints at Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, and Lazio have showcased his ability to stabilize teams under pressure.
The timing of Mottaâs dismissal, just days before Juventusâ next Serie A fixture against Genoa on March 29, underscores the urgency felt by the club to reverse their fortunes. Reports suggest that financial considerations played a role in delaying the announcement until now, with Juventus aiming to manage the payout to Motta within the next quarterly budget cycle starting in April.
Fans and players alike had grown disillusioned with Mottaâs tenure. Tactical confusion, frequent lineup changesâ39 different starting XIâs in 42 matchesâand strained relationships with key squad members, including Dusan Vlahovic and captain Danilo, eroded confidence in his leadership. Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, commenting after the Fiorentina loss, lamented the lack of âJuventus spiritâ in the teamâs performances, a sentiment echoed across the fanbase.
Tudor now faces the daunting task of salvaging the season. With nine league games remaining and a potential Club World Cup campaign in June and July, his immediate priority will be to restore defensive solidityâJuventus conceded seven goals in their last two matchesâand secure a top-four finish. While Tudorâs contract is temporary, success could pave the way for a longer stay.