Juventus Football Club has officially announced the sacking of manager Thiago Motta and the appointment of Igor Tudor as his successor as of March 23, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing season that saw the club drop to fifth place in Serie A, following two heavy defeats against Fiorentina and Atalanta.
Motta, who took charge of Juventus in June 2024 on a three-year contract, initially brought promise after leading Bologna to Champions League qualification the previous season. However, his tenure with the Turin giants was marred by lackluster performances. The team's recent loss of 3-0 at Fiorentina on March 16, following a shocking 4-0 defeat at home to Atalanta on March 9, proved to be the final straw for club management. Juventus is currently trailing 12 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and has been overtaken by Bologna in the standings.
"Juventus FC announces that it has relieved Thiago Motta of his position as coach of the men's first team," a club statement declared. The club commended Motta for his professionalism and dedication during his brief period at the helm, wishing him and his staff the best for the future.
In Tudor, Juventus has chosen a manager who is no stranger to the club. The 46-year-old Croatian enjoyed a successful playing career at Juventus, having joined the team in 1998. He was also part of Andrea Pirlo's coaching staff during the 2020-2021 season. Following his appointment, Tudor stated his intention to turn the club’s fortunes around. His first challenge will be against Genoa on March 29, 2025, where he has just over a week to prepare the squad.
The changes come in the wake of further disappointing results, including Juventus finishing at the bottom of their Champions League group and being knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Empoli in the quarterfinals. Moreover, although Juventus went 21 league games without a defeat at one point, much of this run was hindered by 13 drawn matches, preventing them from mounting a serious title challenge.
Despite a five-game win streak following a loss to Napoli in January 2025, the team’s recent performances have incensed Juventus supporters who expected much more from the side. Under Motta's management, some players, such as Federico Chiesa, were told they were not part of the coach's plans, leading to his transfer to Liverpool in August 2024.
Now, Tudor's contract is set for four months, overseeing the final nine league games of the season and the Club World Cup scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025. His immediate task will be to implement tactical changes to invigorate the team and restore its competitive edge. Reports suggest he is likely to shift the formation from Motta's 4-2-3-1 system to his preferred 3-4-2-1 setup, which he previously utilized effectively.
Should Tudor achieve Champions League qualification for the next season, the club plans to trigger an automatic renewal of his contract until 2026, a situation that could double his salary depending on performance. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges as Tudor must rally a team that recently conceded seven goals across two matches.
As Juventus looks to regain its footing, the pressure mounts to ensure they return to their place among Italy's elite football clubs. Tudor's previous knowledge of the club and its ambitions may provide him the edge needed to instigate change. Supporters will be watching closely as the new manager takes charge this week and leads the team into its vital upcoming matches.
In summary, Juventus seeks a successful turnaround under Tudor. The coming weeks will determine if he can navigate the club back to Champions League glory and stabilize the tumultuous season that has left many fans frustrated.
