Giuntoli: Motta ‘not under discussion’ despite ‘unacceptable’ Juventus performance | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli insists Thiago Motta is not under scrutiny and reveals he, the club president and the coach met the team this morning after an ‘unacceptable’ performance against Empoli.

Juventus have been eliminated in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals at the hands of Empoli, losing 5-3 on penalties on Wednesday.

Thiago Motta said he was ashamed of his players’ performance but also took responsibility, saying he failed to convey the game’s importance to his team.

“We are in line with what the coach said. The performance was unacceptable,” Juventus director Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday.

“We, the coach, and the team are all convinced of that. This morning, we met with President Ferrero with a clear mind and spoke to the team. They are the first to acknowledge that they must do more to secure a Champions League spot.”

Thiago Motta signed a three-year contract with Juventus last summer, but are Juventus’ considering his long-term future following disappointing results this season?

Giuntoli: Motta ‘not under discussion’ despite ‘unacceptable’ Juventus performance

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Thiago Motta coach of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and Juventus at Sardegna Arena on February 23, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“We believe in the project that started this summer, one that creates value by giving many young players opportunities, and we are confident it will bring us great satisfaction in the future. Motta is not under discussion,” Giuntoli insisted.

“Yesterday’s match was almost inexplicable because we were coming off four consecutive league wins, so we were disappointed and frustrated,” he continued.

“However, we remain convinced that the project is on the right track. Numerous injuries have amplified the difficulties, but we are aware that we are on the right path and believe it will bring success in the future.”

Motta accused some players of being demanding without giving much back.

“He wanted to bring the team back to a specific sense of unity. He addressed the entire squad,” Giuntoli clarified.

Juventus invested more than €220m in new signings over the last two transfer windows, but why are most of the newcomers struggling to have an impact?

“We made a lot of changes, bringing in many new players. We invested in international profiles who have performed well with their previous teams, and we are confident they will do the same at Juventus,” said Giuntoli.

“The club is always responsible for everything that happens. We are accountable to both the ownership and the fans,” he concluded.

Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table and will host Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium in the next league round this coming Monday.