Former Juventus player Massimo Mauro has offered his insights on the team’s performance under new manager Thiago Motta. While praising the overall project, Mauro suggests a less cautious approach might be needed to ignite the attack.
Speaking with Tuttosport, Mauro begins by expressing his approval of the new direction: “I really like the project. The assumption of responsibility has been across the board. Finally, the right men in the right places.” He commends the appointment of Giuntoli as sporting director and the club’s structural changes.
Regarding Motta’s approach, Mauro notes, “The good aspect of Motta is that he’s proving to be humble. If he needs to defend, he defends. He hasn’t had the attitude of someone who wants to win every game 4-0.”
However, Mauro questions some of Motta’s decisions, particularly in the 0-0 draw against Napoli: “I honestly didn’t understand a couple of the coach’s choices. You can’t put Vlahovic in question like that after a half where he objectively had no specific faults.”
On Motta’s tactical approach, Mauro appreciates his willingness to explore new options within the squad: “He’s looking for novelties within the roster. This is a good thing that generates enthusiasm. He puts everyone in competition.”
Mauro praises players like Cambiaso for their initiative but urges more risk-taking: “I don’t like it when Juventus exaggerates with backward or horizontal passes. Making a mistake on a pass towards the opponent’s goal is okay because you’re trying to do damage.”
Regarding Douglas Luiz, Mauro is critical of his limited playing time: “From what we’ve seen in Empoli, it was right to rest him. In Tuscany, he was embarrassing, he was walking. If he should be used little in the future as well, then yes, it would become a problem considering he was paid 51 million.”
On the debate about Yildiz’s position, Mauro offers his perspective: “If Motta wants to play Juventus with Nico Gonzalez and Koop, there are no alternatives. Against Napoli, if I really had to or wanted to remove Vlahovic, I would have put the Dutchman as a false nine, Yildiz behind, and Weah on the wing.”
Looking ahead to the match against Genoa, Mauro expects more from Juventus: “From Juve in this game, I expect people who take risks, dribbling, dribbling, and more dribbling. I want to see 10 crosses for Vlahovic in the first half, as many in the second half, passes for him. If then he doesn’t score, then we criticize him.”
