Pjanic: ‘Juventus went against DNA, Roma made big mistakes’ | OneFootball

As his old clubs prepare to face off, Miralem Pjanic claims Juventus went ‘against their DNA’ by hiring Thiago Motta, while Roma made a series of ‘big mistakes’ before Claudio Ranieri came in.

Roma host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

It has been a tough campaign for them both, as while the Bianconeri just sacked Thiago Motta to bring in Igor Tudor, Ranieri is the third different coach the Giallorossi have had this season.

“At this moment, Roma have more stability, without doubt,” Pjanic told Il Tempo newspaper.

“Juve changed their coach because the results were below expectations. In recent years, when I was at the club, they would always challenge to win the Scudetto, but despite big investments in the transfer market that made the club think they could compete, something went very wrong.

“Some choices went against the DNA of Juventus, but now they have brought in Tudor, who knows the Juve world well and is aware of how some dynamics work there.”

Tudor was not only already with the Bianconeri as a player, but also the assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo, so has experience of every area of the club.

“He already showed that he is well-prepared, and a change was necessary after results that were not up to their standards.”

Pjanic slams Roma and Juventus decisions

MILAN, ITALY – JULY 07: Miralem Pjanic of Juventus FC gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on July 7, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

As for Roma, they surprisingly fired Daniele De Rossi, then had a brief spell under Ivan Juric before Ranieri turned their campaign around.

“They made a few big mistakes, the biggest being sacking De Rossi, as it was too early, and the squad went into shock. Not everyone agreed with that decision, but above all, nobody was expecting it,” added Pjanic.

“It was a completely senseless move when the season had only just started. De Rossi has everything it takes to be a great coach, I know his vision of football, and it’s a shame he was dismissed so early. I am sure he will do well in future.

“The coach who followed him was not up to the standards of Roma, while Ranieri did well to get things back on track. He is a Romanista, he knows the club, has experience and is beloved by the fans.

“I thought they would be challenging for the top four anyway, but they were forced to make up lost ground with that run of positive results. Ranieri’s work confirmed the real potential in this Roma squad.”

Pjanic was a key creative midfielder for both Roma and Juventus in his career, so which current squad would need a figure like him the most?

“Juventus. I think the midfield is the fundamental area for all big teams, it is both the engine and the architect. When you have a strong midfield, the team will move well,” replied the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

“Juve currently lack a player like that, who can give balance and dictate the tempo, as well as bring out that quality that we haven’t seen to its full potential yet.”