Juventus manager Thiago Motta is facing mounting pressure following the team’s 2-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, reports Goal Italia.
The loss has intensified scrutiny on Motta’s leadership, especially after his pre-match comment that “winning is not an obsession,” a statement that contrasts sharply with Juventus’s storied emphasis on victory.
The January fixture list presents a formidable challenge for Motta and his squad. Upcoming matches include the Derby della Mole against Torino, a rescheduled game with Atalanta, and a crucial encounter with Napoli.
Additionally, Juventus will seek redemption in a home fixture against AC Milan and face decisive Champions League group stage matches against Club Brugge and Benfica.
These six high-stakes games over a span of twenty days could be pivotal in determining both the team’s season trajectory and Motta’s future at the helm.
Tactical decisions during the Supercoppa match have come under criticism. Motta’s substitutions, notably replacing Dusan Vlahovic and Samuel Mbangula, were followed by a noticeable decline in the team’s performance, allowing Milan to capitalize and overturn the lead.
Motta defended his choices, stating, “All the choices I make during the match are for the good of the team; it is up to you to judge whether I did it right or not.”
Concerns about the squad’s character and leadership have also been raised. Motta himself acknowledged the issue, commenting, “We need to improve our character… At the first negative incident today, we did not react and wasted the opportunity to play in the Final.”
Injuries have complicated Juventus’s situation. Francisco Conceiçao’s withdrawal during the warm-up against Milan is the latest in a series of muscular problems affecting the squad.
The frequency of these injuries has led to scrutiny of the team’s training regimen under Motta’s staff.
Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is expected to seek reinforcements during the transfer window, particularly in defense following the departure of Danilo.
While the pursuit of Milan’s Fikayo Tomori appears challenging, other options are being considered. In attack, with uncertainties surrounding Arkadiusz Milik’s recovery, there is interest in Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, though any move would be contingent on favorable terms.
As January unfolds, the convergence of challenging fixtures, tactical scrutiny, leadership concerns, and injury woes places Thiago Motta’s tenure at a critical juncture.
While the mantra “winning is the only thing that matters” may no longer be the club’s sole focus, securing a Champions League spot remains imperative.
