Juventus Football Club is in a precarious position as Thiago Motta's tenure as head coach is on the verge of an end. Reports on March 23, 2025, indicate that the club is close to parting ways with the Brazilian manager. Despite it being only his first year at the helm, Motta has struggled to make an impact, with the team currently sitting in fifth place in the Serie A, trailing rivals Inter Milan by 12 points and fighting to secure a Champions League qualification.
The situation has become dire for Juventus as they were recently eliminated from both the Italian Cup and the UEFA Champions League, only adding to the pressure on Motta. The team’s lackluster performance continued as they drew against Empoli, a match that resulted in their exit from the Coppa Italia via penalties. Frustrated by the result, Motta publicly took responsibility, stating, “There is no explanation. The responsibility is certainly mine. I feel ashamed to see my team play like this. In the first half, there was a lack of attitude, which means I did not manage to convey the importance of playing such a game with the Juventus shirt.”
Considering the current turmoil, discussions surrounding Motta’s future have escalated. According to the Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the upcoming match against Genoa on March 29, 2025, could be Motta's final game for Juventus. Reports suggest that should he fail to secure a crucial win, the club's decision to dismiss him will be almost certain. The pressure is particularly high following two significant defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina, which saw Juventus concede seven goals without scoring.
In the backdrop of this unfolding situation, the name of Roberto Mancini, the former Manchester City manager, is emerging as a front-runner to take over the reins at Juventus. Mancini reportedly has a verbal agreement with club officials, which includes a potential contract renewal for the following season if he successfully leads the team into the Champions League. There are hints that Mancini's eagerness to manage Juventus stems from his childhood support for the club.
Igor Tudor, a former player and coach associated with Juventus, is also being considered as a viable alternative. Tudor has been without a job since his departure from Lazio and has previously managed clubs like Hellas Verona and Olympique de Marseille. Another option being discussed, albeit more complex due to his current status, is Zinedine Zidane, who has been on sabbatical since leaving Real Madrid.
Thiago Motta's season record reflects his struggles, with Juventus recording 18 wins, 17 draws, and seven losses across 42 matches. The team was particularly disappointing in the Champions League, finishing in 20th place in their group and eliminated by PSV in a playoff round. Juventus, with a storied history in Italian football, is finding it hard to cope with the demands of maintaining their competitive edge.
The club’s leadership faces a challenging decision; they must weigh the costs associated with dismissing Motta, who signed a three-year contract worth €5 million per season. The total compensation for terminating his contract could exceed €15 million. This financial strain adds another layer to the decision, igniting debates among fans and analysts alike regarding the wisdom of a swift managerial change.
As the final whistle approaches in the next match at the Allianz Stadium, the atmosphere around Juventus remains tense. With players underperforming and the chain of defeats taking a toll on the morale of the team, supporters are anxious about the club's future. Motta’s inability to deliver results led many to hope for a change that could rejuvenate the club and facilitate a path back to glory, a storyline that spans the rich tapestry of Juventus history.
In summation, the fate of Thiago Motta and the club he leads hangs in the balance as the next few days promise critical challenges. Whether he can rally his team for a decisive victory against Genoa remains to be seen. If not, Juventus may swiftly pivot towards new leadership, aiming to restore its status within Italian football. The countdown to the next match has begun and for Motta, time is of the essence.
