Bonucci tells Juventus which coach will ‘win immediately’ after Motta | OneFootball

Leonardo Bonucci believes that Juventus must hire Antonio Conte if they want to ‘win immediately’, but he insists that Thiago Motta needs time and that putting all the blame on him is ‘unfair.’

Thiago Motta is under scrutiny after a 4-0 loss against Atalanta on Sunday.

Cristiano Giuntoli denied contacting Igor Tudor as a possible replacement, but it’s evident that the last ten games of the season will be crucial to determine Motta’s future at the Allianz Stadium.

Bonucci spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport and was asked who would be the ideal coach at Juventus next season.

“It depends on the club’s objectives,” the ex-defender replied.

“They invested in some players last summer but also in young talents they have developed. If you want to win immediately, you change in June and bring in Conte. Otherwise, you give Motta and Giuntoli time to lay the foundation for future success.”

According to Gazzetta, Conte is among the Juventus candidates if Motta is sacked at the end of the season. Gian Piero Gasperini and Roberto De Zerbi have also been mentioned as potential replacements for the ex-Italy international.

“I definitely expected greater progress, but now the team must stick together for the only goal left, even if it’s a small consolation,” Bonucci continued.

Bonucci ‘unhappy’ with Juventus results

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between Juventus FC and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“As a Juventus fan, I’m not happy with the results, but a project needs time, and things have to align well at the club level too.

“It’s no coincidence that the two teams struggling the most in Serie A are Milan and Juventus. Motta’s project is inconsistent for now, but he deserves at least another year to build a winning foundation. Of course, he also needs to improve. Juventus can’t be satisfied with fourth place. Without it, it would be a failure.

“Motta needs to learn that coaching Juve is a completely different world,” added Bonucci.

“He’s smart and has to understand what pieces need to be put in place. He struggled initially in Bologna, but you play to win at Juventus. Everything is different. It’s not fair to put too much responsibility on him after just eight months, but he needs to step up in his communication as well. Saying ‘we’re sad and disappointed’ is not enough. Against Atalanta, we made a fool of ourselves.

“I might go against the grain, but I believe that sticking with Thiago could lead to something positive. Motta has made Juve dominant in terms of play, but that doesn’t mean winning. With the young players developing and adding two or three high-level signings, they’ll have a stronger foundation next season.

“Let’s not forget that if Juve had beaten Atalanta, they would still be in the title race. And they don’t have a squad built to win the Scudetto right now.”

The ex-defender saw responsibility from club directors as well.

“Strangely, no one stepped up to take responsibility. Agnelli did it after a defeat in Haifa,” he argued.

“The club needs to be more present with the right figures.”

Bonucci’s ex-teammate Giorgio Chiellini became Juventus’ Head of Football Institutional Relations in September, so could he take on a more central role at the club to solve some of the issues?

“Certainly, you need football men as well as managers,” said Bonucci.

“Giorgio is on a path, and one day he’ll get there, but he can’t be seen as the one who will solve all the problems.”