Capello questions Juventus’ Chiesa sale, but Motta ‘finally realised’ one thing | OneFootball

Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello feels Cristiano Giuntoli should be held accountable for the Old Lady’s ‘failure’ this season, questions Federico Chiesa’s sale, but is happy that Thiago Motta has ‘finally realised’ that sterile ball possession hasn’t produced results.

Juventus are licking their wounds after a shocking Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Empoli on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri lost 5-3 on penalties and were strongly criticised by their coach at the end of the match.

Former Juventus boss Fabio Capello analysed the Bianconeri’s performance during an interview with Sky Sport Italia on Thursday afternoon.

“Juventus allowed Empoli to get towards the goal whenever they wanted,” said the ex-Italian manager.

“They were similar to Milan. There was no grit, determination, desire, or quality.

“Juventus started the season by leaving key players out, especially Chiesa, who had moments of brilliance that lifted morale. They immediately changed everything to try and win the Scudetto in three years. Motta relied on ball possession, but I’ve heard he got frustrated with Gatti because he wants vertical passes.

“He has finally realised that pointless possession in the defensive half and back passes to the goalkeeper haven’t produced the same results he had at Bologna.

Capello questions Juventus’ Chiesa sale, but Motta ‘finally realised’ one thing

Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

“Every time they faced an opponent with more speed and determination, they struggled.”

Cristiano Giuntoli will talk to Sky Sport Italia shortly, and Capello feels the Juventus sporting director and the coach share responsibility for a poor season.

“I believe there have been mistakes made by management and Giuntoli. Everyone talks about Motta, but Giuntoli should also be held accountable for the team’s failure,” said Capello.

“I always knew, along with my collaborators, which players were destined for Milan, Real Madrid, or Roma. Choices must be made wisely, signing players who can handle the pressure of wearing a big club jersey. Juve haven’t understood this. They spent a lot, but not wisely. They have good players, but none who truly make a difference.”

Dusan Vlahovic missed a penalty kick last night and is expected to leave Juventus in the summer as he hasn’t yet reached an agreement to extend beyond 2026.

“When a player realises he doesn’t have the coach’s trust, it becomes difficult for him,” argued Capello.

“At some point he miscontrolled the ball and after that moment, he lost confidence. I don’t think he’s feeling at ease, and when you’re like that, you make mistakes as he did with the penalty kick.

“From a tactical standpoint, I thought Kolo Muani worked well with him. There was something different there. However, I wanted to see a more occupied penalty area, but that didn’t really happen.”

Juventus have been eliminated from Coppa Italia and the Champions League, so the minimum target this season is to earn a top-four finish this season.

“Two and a half Champions League spots are already taken, leaving a battle for fourth place,” noted Capello.

“Every game must be approached with full focus; it’s the bare minimum for two clubs like Juve and Milan, who spent heavily in the transfer market.”