Capello notes Juventus’ ‘first mistake’ and gives verdict on Motta’s future | OneFootball

Former coach Fabio Capello argues that Juventus made the ‘first mistake’ during the transfer market and insists Thiago Motta should remain at the helm only if everyone is ‘pulling in the same direction.’

The Bianconeri suffered a heavy 4-0 loss against Atalanta on Sunday, their biggest home defeat since 1967, for which coach Motta took full responsibility in a dressing room speech on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri have already been eliminated from the Champions League and Coppa Italia and their lead over fifth-placed Lazio is reduced to just one point with ten Serie A games remaining.

“The first question I ask myself is this: who decided to let Federico Chiesa go without much ceremony, and then Danilo as well?” Capello wrote in his latest Gazzetta dello Sport column.

Capello notes Juventus’ ‘first mistake’ and gives verdict on Motta’s future

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at on February 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Was it solely the coach’s decision, or was the club involved? If it was entirely Motta’s choice, then his responsibility is even greater because those were two key players, also in terms of leadership. For me, the first mistake was made there, in the transfer market decisions.

“On the pitch, Juve has so far displayed a slow, predictable style of play. It’s true that the team dominates possession, but without posing much danger in the opponent’s half,” continued the ex-coach.

“Another mistake has been the management of Dusan Vlahovic. The connection between him and Motta never really clicked that spark that could have benefited the team while also maximizing the potential of a great finisher like the Serbian striker. At the start of the season, Motta tried to use him consistently, but lately, he has abandoned that approach. Clearly, Vlahovic is not a striker suited to Motta’s style of play.”

Capello feels that both Juventus and Milan, another Serie A giant struggling this season, have had the same problem this season.

“I don’t understand why many of our clubs don’t focus on building a strong Italian core,” he wrote.

“It’s extremely important. Instead, certain clubs seem to look abroad first. You see foreign players signed for huge fees who end up underperforming.”

Motta is under contract until 2027 at the Allianz Stadium, but he will remain under scrutiny until the end of the season. Several sources claim that not even a top-four finish may allow the ex-Italy international to remain in charge in 2025-26.

“I get the feeling that Juve’s players are mentally struggling, but it has nothing to do with the fans’ boos—this is normal at a big club, and I experienced it myself at Milan,” Capello concluded.

However, not everything should be thrown away. Just a week ago, thinking about the Scudetto wasn’t unrealistic, and there’s still time to turn things around. Then, the final judgments will be made. If everyone, absolutely everyone, is pulling in the same direction, then it’s right to give Motta more time. Otherwise, it’s better to part ways.”

Several candidates, including Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini, have been linked with the job at the Allianz Stadium for next season.