Motta hints at new Juventus captain as Danilo frozen out | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta hints that Manuel Locatelli will replace Danilo as the team’s captain, but a different player will wear the armband tomorrow as the Italy international is suspended against Torino.

Italy international Locatelli is expected to replace Danilo as the Juventus captain in the second part of the season.

The Brazilian defender is training separately in Turin, and his agents are negotiating a contract termination six months ahead of the natural expiration of his deal. Danilo is expected to join Juventus’ domestic rivals Napoli if he terminates his contract with Juventus this month.

Motta hints at new Juventus captain as Danilo frozen out

epa11804086 AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer (L) in action against Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli (R) during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final match between Juventus FC and AC Milan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 03 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STR

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, Motta suggested that Locatelli would replace Danilo as the team’s captain in the future.

“Without Manu [Locatelli], you will see who is the captain tomorrow.”

Motta repeated precisely the same thing when reporters asked him to clarify whether Locatelli would permanently become the captain in the second part of the season.

Locatelli will serve a one-match ban in the derby against Torino tomorrow, so Motta will necessarily give the armband to another player.

“We have many leaders in the dressing room, and there is space for more,” Motta continued.

“What matters is the recognition from the teammates. The coach observes and tries to show the right path to becoming a leader, especially by setting an example.

“There is always room for new leaders who are developing.”