Juventus: Motta’s position shaky but secure, Giuntoli’s trust comes with a caveat

Thiago Motta’s position as Juventus manager has come under scrutiny following the team’s defeat against AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final. This loss has brought to the forefront concerns that had been simmering beneath the surface, despite the team’s unbeaten run in Serie A.

Calciomercato report that the Italian-Brazilian coach had previously enjoyed a degree of immunity from criticism, largely due to Juventus remaining undefeated in the league and losing only once in all competitions this season (against Stuttgart in the Champions League). However, the abundance of draws (11 in 18 Serie A matches, 2 in 6 Champions League games) had raised questions about the team’s ability to secure victories.

Despite rumours of tension between Motta and Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli regarding squad management and match tactics, our sources indicate that their relationship remains strong. Motta continues to have the full backing of Giuntoli, who was personally chosen by John Elkann in 2023, and by extension, the support of the club’s ownership.

This trust extends to the ongoing transfer market decisions, including the controversial move to sideline Danilo. However, fan sentiment, both in stadiums and on social media, is increasingly questioning how long this support will last.

The critical question emerging is whether there’s a threshold beyond which Motta’s position could be jeopardized. Failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League could potentially be this breaking point.

For now, the club maintains unwavering confidence in Motta. It seems highly unlikely that he would face dismissal mid-season, even if results worsen during the upcoming challenging fixture list (which includes matches against Torino, Atalanta, Milan, Club Brugge, Napoli, and Benfica).

However, Juventus’ history suggests that no one is truly safe if there’s a sporting disaster come June. The club has parted ways with high-profile managers like Maifredi, Ancelotti, and Allegri in the past when results didn’t meet expectations.

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