The upheaval at Juventus FC reached a tipping point on March 23, 2025, as Thiago Motta was officially relieved of his duties as the team's head coach. The news of the dismissal reached Motta while he was in Portugal, highlighting a growing disconnect between the coach and club leadership.
Previously, Motta had faced mounting pressure following a disappointing performance from the team, culminating in a disheartening 0-4 defeat against Atalanta. This decisive moment led to a critical meeting on March 18 with technical director Cristiano Giuntoli and president Maurizio Scanavino, where Motta’s explanations for the team’s decline failed to assuage their concerns. According to reports, Giuntoli expressed his regret about selecting Motta as coach, stating, “I am ashamed to have chosen you,” in a meeting that was nothing short of confrontational.
In the aftermath of this tough exchange, it became clear that Motta's days were numbered. Despite having signed a three-year contract that would keep him at the club until June 2027, the board made the drastic decision to terminate his contract, which is expected to cost the club approximately 20 million euros. This amount includes not just Motta’s severance but also payment for his coaching staff.
For Juventus, the stakes remain high. Their ambitions hinge on securing a spot in the upcoming Champions League, a goal that carries financial implications as participation guarantees around 50 million euros. Despite Motta's early promise and potential, his tenure was marred by poor performance; during his leadership, Juventus managed to win only 18 of their 42 matches—equating to a win rate of just 43%. Historical statistics underline that only two other coaches since 1929 have recorded a lower win percentage with over 40 games coached.
Moreover, Motta is now the ninth coach in the club's history to be dismissed mid-season, a notable shift for an organization known for not making coaching changes frequently. Under former president Andrea Agnelli, there were no mid-season dismissals during his 13-year reign. The last to suffer this fate before Motta was Massimiliano Allegri, who was similarly let go following an underwhelming season.
As Juventus looks towards the future, they have already secured Igor Tudor to replace Motta—a decision that was met with mixed emotions from fans and observers alike. Tudor is expected in Turin shortly after the announcement, ready to take on the formidable task of steering the team back to competitive form.
The official statement from Juventus thanked Motta and his staff for their contributions, stating, “The club thanks Thiago Motta and all of his staff for the professionalism demonstrated and the work carried out during these months with passion and dedication, wishing them the best for the future.” This farewell underscores the bittersweet nature of the coaching profession, where performance is closely scrutinized, and decisions can change rapidly.
While the dismissal may have been anticipated among observers given the club's recent performances, it nonetheless signals a pivotal moment for Juventus as they attempt to recalibrate their ambitions and aspirations. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as Tudor takes the reins, eager to see if he can restore the club’s fortunes.
