After crushing defeats and early exits, Juventus have brutally axed Motta, replacing him with Tudor.
Juventus have pulled the trigger on Thiago Motta, sacking the manager just nine months into his tenure. The decision comes in the wake of a series of humiliating defeats, leaving the club struggling outside the Champions League qualification spots. With the pressure mounting, Juventus have turned to a familiar face—former player Igor Tudor—to steady the ship.
Motta’s Rapid Downfall
Motta’s arrival in June 2024 was met with optimism. After impressing at Bologna, many saw him as the man to restore Juventus to their former glory. But the dream quickly unravelled. A disastrous European campaign saw the club crash out of the Champions League play-off round against PSV Eindhoven, missing out on the competition entirely.
Domestically, things weren’t much better. Juventus suffered back-to-back humiliations, first a 4-0 demolition at home to Atalanta, followed by a crushing 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina last weekend. Sitting fifth in Serie A, one point off the Champions League spots, the club’s hierarchy decided they had seen enough.
To make matters worse, Juventus are already out of the Coppa Italia, a competition they won last season. With no trophies on the horizon and the team floundering, the board acted swiftly to remove Motta before the situation worsened.
Igor Tudor Returns to Turin
In a move that caught many off guard, Juventus have appointed Igor Tudor as their new manager. The 46-year-old is no stranger to the club, having made over 150 appearances for Juventus during his playing career between 1998 and 2007.
Tudor’s managerial journey has taken him across Europe, with stints at Hajduk Split, Galatasaray, Udinese, Verona, and Marseille. His most recent role was a short-lived spell at Lazio, where he managed for just three months before parting ways.
Despite his experience, Tudor’s appointment raises questions. Can he turn Juventus’ season around with just a few months remaining? Does he have the tactical prowess to elevate the team back into the Serie A elite? With tensions already high among fans and the club’s leadership, his success or failure could define Juventus’ trajectory for years to come.
What’s Next for Juventus?
Tudor’s first test comes this Saturday when Juventus face Genoa at home. The pressure is immense—anything less than a convincing victory will only add to the unrest.
With Juventus’ season hanging in the balance, the club’s leadership is betting on Tudor’s ability to salvage a Champions League spot. But with a squad low on confidence and fans losing patience, he faces a monumental task.
Will Tudor be the answer to Juventus’ crisis, or is this just another chapter in the club’s ongoing turmoil?
