Juventus Football Club is currently beset by a crisis, as pressure mounts on coach Thiago Motta following a series of disappointing results that have left the future of the historic club hanging in the balance. The team has recently endured two significant defeats in Serie A against Atalanta and Fiorentina, which have put them outside of the top four, jeopardizing their Champions League ambitions. Compounding these troubles is the looming prospect of an emergency meeting called by club owner John Elkann, set to take place on March 21, 2025, where the leaders of the Bianconeri will discuss the urgent issues plaguing the club.
The latest losses have been particularly harsh, with Juventus suffering a 0-4 thrashing at home against Atalanta, followed by a 0-3 defeat on the road to Fiorentina just a week later. Their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSV Eindhoven and a shocking exit from the Coppa Italia to Empoli have added further misery to a campaign that began with high hopes.
Vladimir Jugovic, a Juventus legend and 1996 Champions League winner, has weighed in on the current situation, emphasizing the need for a revamp in the team’s mentality. He stated, "The expectations around our Juventus were always enormous. For Lippi, even a draw was enough to feel under pressure." This sentiment resonates deeply with the legacy of the club, which has a storied history of success and a culture that demands excellence.
Juventus conceded an alarming total of seven goals across these two recent matches, leading Jugovic to remark, "Conceding seven goals in two matches is not Juventus-like." He highlights the need for a re-evaluation of balance and compactness within the team, addressing that the team’s performance indicates a lack of unity both on and off the pitch. As he succinctly put it, "For a team like Juventus, losing two consecutive matches against Atalanta and Fiorentina in that manner is hard to accept." The responsibility ultimately falls upon Motta, whose position has become increasingly precarious.
Amidst the swirling uncertainties, Elkann's emergency meeting will include critical figures like CEO Maurizio Scanavino and Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli. Elkann is reportedly prepared to outline drastic consequences that could follow if the club fails to secure a Champions League spot next season. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, missing out may force the club to curtail their project significantly, limiting their activity in the summer transfer market and delaying contract negotiations for key players like Weston McKennie and Federico Gatti.
The mounting stakes also extend to the coaching staff, with discussions on Motta’s future growing tense. Reports indicate that Juventus is exploring alternatives to Motta, should they decide to make a change if a positive result is not achieved in their next match against Genoa. Jugovic argued that to focus on the revitalization of the squad and the necessity for a winning mindset, the club might need a new coach who genuinely understands the 'Juventus way.' "If you believe in the project and the rejuvenation of the squad, you can continue with Motta, but if you want to focus on the Juve mentality—which seems to be somewhat lacking at the moment—then you need to find a coach who truly understands it," Jugovic stated.
There's speculation that Igor Tudor, a former Juventus defender and assistant coach, could become the next head coach. Tudor resigned after a brief stint at Lazio, having been sidelined for just three months. The former defender has been considered a candidate to turn around Juventus' staggering fortunes if the front office decides to part ways with Motta. Tudor's familiarity with the club could be seen as advantageous, given his history with Juventus both as a player and during his time under Andrea Pirlo's management. Tudor was recently quoted saying, "It was tough, but in the end we managed to qualify for the Champions League and we even won the Coppa Italia. Yet they kicked us out.” His sentiments reflect the pressures faced by coaches at the helm of this ambitious club.
As Juventus fans watch anxiously from the sidelines, the atmosphere in Turin is thick with anticipation. The players currently sit in fifth place in Serie A, trailing Bologna, who have recently surpassed them in the league standings following their own victory over Lazio. Heading into the next clash, Matta's fate appears to hang in the balance, resting on the outcomes of the immediate matches ahead.
With the club having spent over 200 million in the transfer market, expectations for performance are high, and as Jugovic noted, "After spending that much, it was normal to expect something more, right?" For a club of Juventus' stature, merely qualifying for the Champions League isn't enough anymore; aspirations are rooted in winning titles and reclaiming their rightful place among European elites.
As the pressure mounts and uncertainty looms, one thing is clear: Juventus must rediscover its winning mentality to turn the tide on a season marred by disappointment. Whether they entrust Motta with that task or seek a new direction will undoubtedly shape the league's landscape and Juventus' future in the months to come.
