Capello questions Motta and Juventus transfer decisions | OneFootball

Ex-Juventus coach Fabio Capello feels the Bianconeri lack ‘certainties’ under Thiago Motta, but refuses to blame the coach solely: ‘Is it all his fault?’

The Serie A giants have suffered back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Benfica and are currently outside the top four in Serie A.

Motta’s choices in the latest defeat against Benfica didn’t convince Capello, who analysed Juventus’ recent results and performances in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He changed six players [against Benfica] and put them in positions where they didn’t perform,” said the former Bianconeri boss.

“I’m thinking of Weah as a fullback, McKennie on the left, Yildiz behind the striker. The coach hasn’t yet gotten the team to play how he wants.

“When we thought he had found some certainties, he changed the players again. You have to understand the team and make them play according to the players you have,” continued Capello.

“There’s not just one system, but it seems like he interprets football in only one way. For me, a coach must understand his players’ skill sets and put them in positions where they perform best. Of course, sacrifices must be made, but only in emergencies. If we think about the defeat against Benfica, how do you make a revolution in such an important match? As a coach, I can’t understand that. I see Inzaghi, who rotates players every game, but on Wednesday, he picked the best line-up available to finish in the top eight.”

Capello sees Juventus lack of confidence under Motta: ‘But is it all his fault?’

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus and Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus spent over €200m in the summer transfer window and welcomed three new players in January: Alberto Costa, Randal Kolo Muani and Renato Veiga. The fourth one, Kevin Danso, could move to Turin on a €2.5m loan deal.

“But now I ask myself: is it all Motta’s fault?” continued Capello.

“Because a new coach who arrives at a club like Juventus always has little time, he has to win quickly. Don’t forget the club made significant investments last summer.

“There is a sporting director, a coach, and a group of people who choose the players and must find the best. So, if they get the wrong players, the responsibility is collective.

The management of Dusan Vlahovic has been debated as well. Despite being the best Juventus scorer this season, the Serbian started two of the last three games on the bench, which doesn’t seem to suit Motta’s playing style.

“It’s the management of a player who isn’t suited for the type of game Motta wants to play,” argued Capello.

“He wants someone who participates in the build-up, but Vlahovic is a penalty area striker, and Juventus do not put many balls into the box. It’s a technical choice, but not having other strikers, I think an area man like the Serbian can always fit in the line-up.”

Motta has already changed seven Juventus captains this season.

“In England, they give it to an important player with charisma, someone who communicates with the coach and the club,” said Capello.

“If you change the captain every match, and in this case, it seems the armband is just used to exchange the pennant before the game, it means he hasn’t found the right leader yet.”

Fans booed the team after Wednesday’s loss to Benfica, but Motta is also under increasing pressure.

“It’s like that when it comes to Juventus, Milan, and Inter. They don’t want to participate; they want to win,” Capello concluded.