Juventus Football Club has officially ended its association with Thiago Motta after a disappointing eight-month tenure. The club confirmed the decision in a statement on Sunday, citing the need for a new direction following a series of poor performances in Italy’s top flight.

In the official announcement, Juventus thanked Motta and his coaching staff for their “professionalism, passion, and dedication” during their time in Turin. The club wished them well in their future endeavors. However, FRONTPAGE reports that the decision came after growing dissatisfaction with the team’s form, including a historic 4-0 defeat at home to Atalanta.

Club legend Igor Tudor returns to steady the ship

Juventus immediately named Igor Tudor as the new head coach. Tudor, a former player and assistant coach at Juventus, will take charge of his first training session on Monday, March 24. His appointment is initially valid until June 30, 2025, with an option to extend if he delivers improved results.

Tudor brings experience from his time managing Olympique Marseille and Lazio, where he gained praise for his tactical approach and ability to rejuvenate struggling squads. His return to Turin is seen as a stabilising move aimed at rescuing a season that has drifted far from expectations.

Motta’s reign ends in disappointment

Thiago Motta arrived with optimism and high expectations in 2024. His progressive football philosophy, which showed promise during his time at Bologna, initially sparked hope among Juventus supporters. However, that optimism faded quickly.

Juventus struggled for consistency under Motta. They failed to keep pace with Serie A title contenders and suffered damaging results throughout the campaign. The 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta in February marked the club’s worst loss at the Allianz Stadium since 1967. It proved to be the final straw for the board.

As of the latest standings, Juventus sits fifth in Serie A, putting their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League in serious doubt. A team historically known for winning titles now finds itself in survival mode for a top-four finish.

Tudor faces uphill task with limited time

Igor Tudor’s first challenge will be rebuilding team morale and tightening a leaky defence that has conceded goals with alarming regularity in recent weeks. With just a few months left in the season, his short-term mandate is clear—secure Champions League football.

Football Italia reports that the Juventus board is optimistic about Tudor’s leadership. His deep understanding of the club’s culture and expectations could prove valuable during this transitional period.

Tudor’s tactical flexibility—seen in his Marseille spell where he preferred a 3-4-2-1 shape—could provide the balance Juventus has lacked this season. His ability to inspire discipline and high pressing may also reinvigorate underperforming players.

What comes next for Juventus?

Juventus’ decision to act swiftly signals the urgency at the club. After falling short in domestic competitions and showing no signs of resurgence under Motta, the management had little choice but to reset.

Tudor’s success in the coming months will likely determine whether Juventus continues with him into the next season or seeks a marquee manager in the summer. Names like Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane have floated around in past discussions, but for now, the focus remains on saving the season.

For fans, the immediate hope is that Tudor can re-establish Juventus as a fearsome force in Serie A. Whether he succeeds will depend on how quickly he rallies the squad and restores confidence both on and off the pitch.