Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast – "How Have Juventus Fallen So Far?"

Episode Information:

• Title: How Have Juventus Fallen So Far?
• Release Date: April 1, 2025
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere (Ayo Akinwolere)
• Guests: David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater

Introduction and Context

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves deep into the recent struggles of Juventus Football Club. Once dominant champions of Serie A, Juventus find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks both on and off the pitch. The discussion is enriched by insights from football journalists and commentators, Karl Anka and Max Caligari, who provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the club's decline.

Thiago Motta’s Tenure and Sacking ([01:40] - [08:05])

The episode opens with a focus on the unexpected dismissal of Juventus manager Thiago Motta after a mere nine months at the helm. Karl Anka highlights the instability introduced by Motta’s management style:

Karl Anka ([02:56]): "He changed the seven captains in more than 40 games... he hadn’t chosen a stable team. This was the key to the failure."

Motta, previously lauded for his strategic approach at Bologna, struggled to adapt to the high-pressure environment of Juventus. Anka notes that Motta's inability to maintain consistent team selection and his tactical decisions, such as subbing out players during critical moments, undermined team morale and performance.

Ayo Akinwolere adds:

Ayo Akinwolere ([05:10]): "With Motta, Juventus were unbeaten but the football wasn’t particularly entertaining... it felt like the team was two or three drafts early for the final product."

The episode discusses how injuries, particularly to key defender Bremer, and tactical missteps in crucial Champions League matches exacerbated Juventus' woes, leading to their exit from both the Champions League and Copa Italia.

Fan Expectations and Managerial Fit ([08:05] - [15:45])

The conversation shifts to the expectations of Juventus fans regarding the club's playing style. While previous managers like Max Allegri and Antonio Conte emphasized defensive solidity, there’s a growing desire for a more dynamic, front-foot approach.

Karl Anka explains:

Karl Anka ([10:26]): "Juventus wanted fans to see winning football that is also entertaining... Max Allegri always said you need to stay humble, train to defend."

The clash between modern, attractive football and traditional, defensive strategies creates tension within the club's identity. The inability of Thiago Motta to reconcile these conflicting styles ultimately led to his downfall.

Player Transfers and Performance ([16:14] - [23:57])

A critical examination of Juventus' transfer strategy reveals discrepancies between high-profile signings and their on-field performances. Karl Anka discusses the challenges faced by new acquisitions like Moise Kean and Matthias Sulle:

Karl Anka ([18:55]): "At Fiorentina, Moise Kean is thriving without the same pressure as at Juventus... He didn’t show his value here."

The podcast underscores how the high-pressure environment and tactical rigidities at Juventus stifled the potential of promising players, contrasting with their success in more supportive settings like Fiorentina or Sevilla.

Appointment of Igor Tudor ([29:48] - [36:33])

With Thiago Motta’s departure, Igor Tudor steps in as the new manager. Hosted discuss the uncertainty surrounding Tudor’s tenure and his fit within Juventus’ current framework.

Karl Anka ([30:44]): "He has a very strong character... He knows this is the great chance of his career."

The panel debates whether Tudor, known for his short stints at previous clubs, can stabilize Juventus and restore their competitive edge. The consensus leans towards cautious optimism, recognizing Tudor's potential but acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.

Cristiano Giuntoli’s Role and club Management ([33:19] - [36:33])

The role of Juventus’ sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is scrutinized. Karl Anka praises Giuntoli’s track record at Napoli but points out that success also relies on a cohesive technical team:

Karl Anka ([33:19]): "Giuntoli was seen as the revolutionary man... But it’s not only one man... it’s a team effort."

The discussion highlights the complexity of club management, emphasizing that effective recruitment and team-building require harmonious collaboration between the sporting director, manager, and other club officials.

Financial Challenges and Branding ([41:50] - [44:47])

One of the most perplexing issues for Juventus is the absence of a main shirt sponsor, a significant revenue stream for top-tier clubs. Karl Anka explains:

Karl Anka ([42:16]): "Juventus didn’t find a suitable brand willing to match their prestige... They want to maintain a high level to expand their brand globally."

This financial quandary is juxtaposed with Juventus’ broader branding efforts, including rebranding initiatives aimed at transforming the club into a global lifestyle brand. The failure to secure a major sponsor underscores the club’s ongoing struggles to balance financial health with brand prestige.

Serie A’s Global Standing ([44:47] - [50:42])

The episode concludes with a broader analysis of Serie A’s position in Europe’s top leagues. Max Caligari asserts that while Serie A remains technically competitive, its global brand lags behind the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga:

Max Caligari ([47:15]): "Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A are all technically there, but as a brand, Serie A is at a lower level."

Ayo Akinwolere counters with optimism about Serie A’s vibrant title races and the exciting styles of play from teams like Atalanta and Napoli, suggesting that sustained competitiveness can enhance the league’s global appeal.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The podcast wraps up with a reflection on the volatile nature of football management and the precarious future of Juventus. While the club faces significant challenges, the discussions suggest that strategic changes in management, tactical approaches, and financial strategies are crucial for Juventus to reclaim their former glory.

Notable Quotes:

• Karl Anka ([02:56]): "He changed the seven captains in more than 40 games... he hadn’t chosen a stable team. This was the key to the failure."
• Ayo Akinwolere ([05:10]): "Juventus were unbeaten but the football wasn’t particularly entertaining... it felt like the team was two or three drafts early for the final product."
• Karl Anka ([33:19]): "Giuntoli was seen as the revolutionary man... But it’s not only one man... it’s a team effort."
• Max Caligari ([47:15]): "Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A are all technically there, but as a brand, Serie A is at a lower level."

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Juventus’ recent struggles, blending tactical analysis with insights into management and financial strategies. For fans and followers of Serie A, it provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing one of Italy’s most storied football clubs.