Capello Highlights Risk in Juventus' Coaching Change Amid Motta's Departure

Juventus Takes a Gamble by Replacing Motta with Tudor

Fabio Capello has voiced his concerns over Juventus’ decision to change coaches with just nine Serie A matches remaining, despite being only one point away from a top-four finish. However, he also believes Thiago Motta’s departure was inevitable if the players had lost faith in him.

Juventus officially announced the dismissal of Motta on Sunday, ending his tenure after just eight months. The club confirmed that former player and assistant coach Igor Tudor would take charge on a short-term contract until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Why Juventus Parted Ways with Motta

Motta’s tenure at Juventus was plagued by underwhelming performances and key eliminations. The team's Champions League exit at the hands of PSV Eindhoven, their Coppa Italia elimination by Empoli, and back-to-back heavy defeats against Atalanta (4-0) and Fiorentina (3-0) all contributed to his downfall.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello explained that while the timing of the change poses a risk, Juventus had little choice but to act.

Capello: ‘Changing Coach Now Is a Risk, but Necessary’

“In theory, changing the coach nine games from the end of the season while being only one point away from fourth place could be a risk,” Capello stated.

“But there is always a context behind such decisions. From the outside, I got the impression that nobody—neither the fans nor the players—wanted to continue with Motta. In those cases, you have to listen to the dressing room and act accordingly.

“If the players had lost confidence in Motta, as it seems, then his sacking was inevitable. Having said that, Tudor has courage; he has accepted a big challenge.”

Why Igor Tudor Is the Right Choice for Juventus

Despite the risks, Capello believes that Tudor is the logical choice, given his familiarity with the club.

“He knows Juventus well, both as a former player and as a coach, having previously served as Andrea Pirlo’s assistant. This is a crucial advantage, especially in a turbulent period like this.

“Tudor has experience stepping into coaching roles mid-season, having taken charge at Udinese, Verona, and Lazio. He has clear tactical ideas and understands the demands of the role. Of course, Juventus is a different challenge—higher pressure, bigger expectations—but he knows every aspect of the Juventus world.

“He doesn’t have much time to secure a Champions League spot, but he certainly has the courage needed to take on this responsibility.”

What Capello Would Do in Tudor’s Position

When asked how he would approach the situation if he were in Tudor’s shoes, Capello emphasized the importance of direct communication with the squad.

“I would be very straightforward with the players. I’d tell them: ‘You brought me here, now let’s help each other.’ This removes any pretense and makes it clear that everyone must work together. A coach alone cannot fix all the team’s issues, especially with so little time.

“Tudor’s priority should be restoring order. Juventus needs stability. There has been too much uncertainty—unclear roles on the pitch, strikers playing as full-backs, captaincy changes from game to game.

“The reality is that this was meant to be a three-year project compressed into one season. At a club like Juventus, results are everything.”

Key Players Tudor Must Focus On

Capello also highlighted two players Tudor must prioritize in the coming weeks:

“First and foremost, Dusan Vlahovic. He is a penalty-box striker who thrives on goals. He needs to play regularly and regain his confidence.

“And then Kenan Yildiz. He has great talent and a strong personality. Juventus must nurture his development and maximize his potential.”

What’s Next for Juventus?

With the race for a Champions League spot heating up, Tudor faces an immense challenge in the final stretch of the season. Whether this coaching change will prove to be a masterstroke or a costly gamble remains to be seen.