Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini admits he’s struggling to understand the reasoning behind some of the decisions made by Juventus coach Thiago Motta.
The Bianconeri were coming off back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Benfica, so they could ill-afford another slip-up against Empoli in Sunday’s early Serie A kickoff.
Juve endured a miserable first half, with Mattia De Sciglio punishing his old employers by snatching the lead with from a poorly-defended corner kick. The Azzurri threatened to add more and even won a spot-kick which was later overruled by VAR due to a handball in the buildup.
Thankfully for Motta, Randal Kolo Muani led a second-half revival, turning the match upside-down with a swift brace. Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao then pounced on the numerical advantage in the final minutes to put their names on the scoresheet.
But despite the 4-1 victory, not everyone was left impressed by the overall display. Sabatini, for one, highlighted some of Motta’s calls that left him perplexed, including taking off Kenan Yildiz for Dusan Vlahovic.
“I struggle to understand many of Thiago Motta’s decisions,” said the veteran journalist during his appearance on Pressing via JuventusNews24.
“Thuram, who seems to me to be the best signing of the club, disappears from the lineup every now and then, Yildiz left to make room for Vlahovic… I would have made an attempt but not at the expense of Yildiz. This is his management.”
Motta had already planned the change just before Kolo Muani put Juve in the lead, and still went proceeded with it when the result changed.
Moreover, Sabatini felt Juventus still cannot shake up their fear on the pitch.
“Regarding the match, Juve was paralyzed by fear and Empoli did what they wanted for half an hour, then two of their players [Anjorin and Ismajli] got hurt at 1-0 and the three points arrived which felt like liberation.”
1 Comment
I didn’t mind the Yildiz sub, had both of Empolis central defenders not have been replaced by injury this game would have turned out considerably different. Up to that point, Empoli was bossing the game. Motta celebrating with glee the fourth goal rubbed me the wrong way. This is a game you should win. Both central defenders and one man up and you’re celebrating like you are beating Napoli??? This should be an easy win considering the massive gap in players and money spent on the teams. Then it should be an automatic win after both CBs go off. That celebration just indicates to me that just winning a single game is a massive achievement for him. Juve by all accounts are expected to win this game coming in. Motta actions send the wrong message to the players. They still played poorly. First goal – kolo bullies newly introduced backup CB on first involvement with just a smashed long ball over the top. Second: fluke goal deflection. Third: wonder strike from Vlahovic. Fourth: smashed long ball over the top against a 10 man squad chasing the game. None of these goals displayed and tactical success, it was a return to 90’s football. Then how is that any different to Allegri?