Juventus Have a Smart New Coach in Luciano Spalletti – Now the Club Needs to Get Its Act Together – the Athletic

Key Highlights

  • Juventus replaces coach Igor Tudor with Luciano Spalletti after a poor run of results.
  • Tudor was sacked despite assurances from the club’s technical director that he had their confidence.
  • Spalletti, who previously managed Napoli and Italy national team, is brought back to Juventus after his own dismissal.
  • The article highlights issues within Juventus’ leadership and recruitment processes under new ownership.

Juventus Faces Leadership Crisis with New Coach Spalletti

After a disappointing start to the season, Serie A giants Juventus have appointed Luciano Spalletti as their new coach following the sacking of Igor Tudor. This move comes at a time when the club is grappling with a series of leadership and management challenges that threaten its future success.

The Fall from Grace

Following back-to-back wins to start the season, Juventus quickly lost form under Tudor’s guidance. The team’s struggles culminated in a 0-0 draw against Milan at home, which saw the fans expressing their frustration with Tudor by whistling during his final home game.

A New Beginning

Spalletti, who was previously dismissed as Italy coach in the build-up to the World Cup, has been brought back to Turin. His return is seen as a strategic move given his experience and proven track record with both club and international teams. Spalletti’s appointment signals a fresh start for Juventus, though it remains to be seen if he can reverse the team’s recent fortunes.

Structural Issues

The article delves into the structural issues at Juventus, highlighting the challenges faced by the new coaching staff in the context of ongoing investigations and financial scrutiny. The club has struggled with the recruitment process under John Elkann’s management, leading to unexpected departures and failed transfers.

Leadership and Recruitment

The article points out that Juventus’ leadership has come under intense criticism recently. The resignation of Andrea Agnelli as chairman in 2022 marked a shift in the club’s direction, but the subsequent appointments have not brought the desired results. Massimiliano Allegri was replaced by Thiago Motta, who failed to replicate the success at Inter, leading to his own dismissal.

Spalletti faces an uphill task as he takes over from Tudor.

The young players given captaincy roles, such as Kenan Yildiz, have highlighted a leadership deficit within the team. Spalletti’s ability to inspire and develop these players will be crucial in turning around Juventus’ fortunes.

Future Prospects

The article concludes that while Spalletti is smart and innovative, his success at Juventus ultimately depends on addressing the broader structural issues facing the club. The leadership needs to form a coherent strategy that can guide both the coaching and recruitment processes effectively.

As Juventus embark on this new chapter under Spalletti’s guidance, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the club can restore its status as a dominant force in Serie A and beyond.