Juventus’ recent string of draws has raised concerns about the team’s performance under manager Thiago Motta. The Bianconeri, while maintaining their unbeaten record in Serie A, have dropped crucial points in their Scudetto pursuit with three consecutive league draws.
Calciomercato report how critics are now questioning Motta’s tactical approach, suggesting that his rigid schemes may be stifling the players’ creativity and decision-making on the field. During the 2-2 draw with Bologna, commentator Valon Behrami observed that Juventus players seemed more focused on executing pre-planned tactics rather than adapting to in-game situations with flair and imagination.
Two incidents have particularly drawn attention:
1. In the closing minutes against Bologna, with Juventus trailing 2-1, Koopmeiners and Yildiz opted for a short corner and played the ball back to midfield, despite having teammates positioned in the box for a potential cross.
2. Earlier in the match, Danilo chose to throw a lateral 60 meters backwards to goalkeeper Perin, despite Juventus being in an attacking position in the opponent’s final third.
These examples have led to questions about the balance between tactical discipline and individual player freedom in Motta’s system. While some players, like Francisco Conceicao, occasionally attempt to break from the rigid structure, there’s a growing debate about where individual creativity ends and tactical obligations begin in this Juventus side.
The situation draws parallels to the age-old football debate between coaches who prioritize their tactical philosophy regardless of personnel (like Arrigo Sacchi) and those who adapt their approach to suit their players and opponents (exemplified by Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi).
Regardless of philosophical debates, the results on the pitch show a Juventus team underperforming relative to its potential, even accounting for injuries. As the team struggles to secure victories, the pressure mounts on both Motta and his players to find solutions and break out of this tactical impasse.
