Ex-Juventus star ‘desperate’ after loss to Atalanta: ‘Never happened before’ | OneFootball

Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci admits he was ‘desperate’ to see Juventus lose 4-0 against Atalanta and says he had never seen so many fans leave the stadium before full-time.

Juventus suffered a heavy 4-0 home loss against Atalanta on Sunday.

“I watched the match on TV with my kids. They were desperate just like me. It broke my heart,” Bonucci told Gazzetta.

“It was a tough day for us Juventus fans. I saw the team struggling a lot.”

The Allianz Stadium crowd booed and insulted the team, and many fans left the stadium before the end of the match.

“I don’t think anything like this has ever happened before,” said Bonucci.

Bonucci ‘desperate’ after loss to Atalanta: ‘Never happened before’

Juventus players (L-R) Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus FC at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, 19 April 2017. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA

“It was an ugly scene that took me back to the COVID times. Fans’ emotions must be respected. The Stadium, in recent matches, has put pressure on those who lack experience and leadership. I hope it can go back to being the extra factor that has driven so many victories. Everything depends on results.

“From games like this, it’s clear that Juventus needs to grow in every aspect. There’s a lack of incisiveness. Motta’s style of play is nice, but in some situations, the team struggles to finish in front of goal. The players lack experience and personality.”

Despite Motta’s poor results this term, Bonucci feels the coach should be given time.

But how can the Bianconeri start a winning project next season?

“Yildiz has played many more games than he did under Allegri, and now you could sell him for €70-80m,” Bonucci said.

“Thuram has been developed well, and Di Gregorio is performing solidly. Some positives exist. I remember Kenan from 2022 when we played an Under-19 match. When he had the ball, he would take me and Danilo on without fear. He’s worth that money because, for his age, he has shown great talent. If Juventus can keep him, he’s one of the players to build around, even though he hasn’t fully shown his potential yet.

“He excites the fans and has great skills, but to reach the level of someone like Yamal, he still has a lot of growing to do and needs to be less selfish. In the first match against Atalanta, he should have passed the ball to Mbangula.”

How about Dusan Vlahovic?

“If Motta stays, I don’t think he will. He played a lot at the start, but then something changed,” Bonucci concluded.