Thiago Motta`s time as Juventus coach was a major disappointment in Serie A. Despite high expectations after his successful run with Bologna, where he secured a historic Champions League spot, things quickly went wrong at Juventus. Juventus` sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli brought Motta in to start a new era, making roster changes and supporting him even through dressing room issues. However, poor results, including Champions League elimination, led to a loss of control, and the club decided to act before the end of the season.

Motta was fired on March 23rd, and former Juventus player Igor Tudor was appointed as interim coach until the season`s end. Tudor will also lead the team in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the USA, where Juventus will play against Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, and Al-Ain.

Why was Thiago Motta sacked?

Tensions escalated between Motta, the team, Giuntoli, and the fans. Juventus fans leaving early during a 4-0 defeat to Atalanta highlighted the breaking point. While Champions League qualification was still possible, being just one point behind Bologna, Motta`s departure became inevitable.

Motta couldn`t replicate Bologna`s impressive style at Juventus, disappointing fans and players seeking change. A rift developed within the team. Key players like Danilo, Federico Chiesa, and Wojciech Szczesny left or were sidelined, impacting team dynamics. Dusan Vlahovic also saw limited playtime after a reported disagreement with Motta.

Initially, Motta`s arrival was met with excitement after Massimiliano Allegri`s second spell. Despite winning the Coppa Italia, Allegri was also dismissed after a conflict with Giuntoli. Allegri was a respected figure, guiding Juventus through the capital gains scandal. However, after Giuntoli`s appointment in 2023 to rebuild post-scandal, he chose Motta. Reports suggest Giuntoli later expressed regret about this decision, highlighting internal confusion. Firing two coaches within a year suggests Giuntoli is trying to secure his own position by making a risky move with Tudor, hoping for Champions League qualification.

What’s next for Juventus?

Juventus needs to avoid further mistakes, as Giuntoli`s job is also at risk. Juventus, like other top clubs, desires a coach who improves player performance and team style. Maurizio Sarri is the only recent coach with such a reputation to achieve success, though he had to adapt his style to win Serie A in 2020. Juventus has sacked other coaches after just one season in the past five years, except for Allegri. Motta`s fate mirrors Sarri`s and Andrea Pirlo`s.

Igor Tudor will manage the rest of the season, with a potential extension until 2026 if Champions League qualification is secured. If not, Juventus will likely seek a new coach after the Club World Cup. Potential candidates include Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Stefano Pioli, but the immediate focus is salvaging the current season. Giuntoli`s future at the club may depend on the team`s performance in the coming weeks.