Capello urges Motta to ‘take more risks’ at Juventus | OneFootball

Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes Thiago Motta must take ‘more risks’ even if Juventus are ‘too vulnerable’ and ‘lack balance.’

The Bianconeri host Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A match on Monday.

They were eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-finals by Empoli, which means Serie A is the only competition they’ll play in until the Club World Cup next summer.

“Empoli, all things considered, proved to be the more dangerous team, while Juve repeatedly suffered counterattacks, allowing their opponents to take shots without too much trouble,” Capello wrote in his latest Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“This highlights an issue that Motta has yet to resolve: Juventus lack balance, making them too vulnerable.

Capello urges Motta to ‘take more risks’ at Juventus

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on ahead of the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Against Empoli, Motta also changed his approach. The team rightly tried to play more vertically, speeding up their play. However, this tactical shift should have been made much earlier.”

Motta had earned Champions League qualification with Bologna last season, but results and performances in Turin this season have been frankly disappointing.

“No offence to the Rossoblù, who are doing extraordinary things, but Juventus’ opponents often focus primarily on defending,” said Capello.

“It’s hard to break through with a possession-based game that, while useful, is too passive. Juve need to take more risks, to be less predictable. Their thirteen draws in the league are a direct result of this approach. Points dropped due to a style that is too predictable.”

The former Juventus boss reiterated that club directors share responsibility with Motta, especially after selling the likes of Federico Chiesa and Danilo this season.

“A change in mentality is also needed, and here, the coach’s work is crucial,” concluded Capello.

“Keeping motivation high, even after a Champions League elimination, is essential. Big games don’t require extra motivation; the real challenge is staying sharp in matches that seem easy, where there’s a risk of underestimating the opponent. A team doesn’t switch on and off like a light, the coach’s leadership is fundamental.”