Juventus legend: ‘Everyone knows’ why Vlahovic doesn’t play

epa11919581 Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic celebrates after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Cagliari Calcio against Juventus FC, in Cagliari, Italy, 23 February 2025. EPA-EFE/FABIO MURRU

Former Juventus midfielder Vladimir Jugovic insists Thiago Motta must work on the Juventus ‘mentality’ but suggests that ‘everyone’ knows why Dusan Vlahovic is no longer a regular starter at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus have suffered back-to-back defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina in Serie A, slipping below the top four.

Club owner John Elkann will meet club directors on Friday to discuss the next steps for the future, except, apparently, Thiago Motta, who is expected to be given more time to turn the situation around.

“The expectations around our Juventus were always enormous. For Lippi, even a draw was enough to feel under pressure,” Juventus legend Jugovic told Gazzetta.

A 1996 Champions winner with the Bianconeri, Jugovic spent just two seasons in Turin, scoring 10 goals in 77 appearances.

However, he has a place in the club’s history books, having converted the last penalty kick in the 1996 Champions Final shootout against Ajax.

“Conceding seven goals in two matches is not Juventus-like,” he continued.

Juventus legend: ‘Everyone knows’ why Vlahovic doesn’t play

“It wasn’t in the past, and it should never be. From afar, it’s not easy to pinpoint the exact problem, but if you’re conceding that much, it clearly means there’s a lack of balance and compactness, both within the team and the overall environment.

“For a team like Juventus, losing two consecutive matches against Atalanta and Fiorentina in that manner is hard to accept. Thiago Motta is the coach, and he has his responsibilities. But in moments like these, the blame falls on everyone.”

Thiago Motta is under contract until 2027 but will need to avoid defeat in Genoa in the next match to avoid a possible sacking.

“If you believe in the project and the rejuvenation of the squad, you can continue with Motta, but if you want to focus on the Juve mentality—which seems to be somewhat lacking at the moment, judging by the disappointing results—then you need to find a coach who truly understands it,” Jugovic argued.

“Antonio [Conte] is a guarantee. As a player, he was a winner with our Juventus, and as a coach, he has lifted trophies everywhere. It’s no coincidence that he’s also fighting for the title with Napoli. Conte knows Turin and the Juventus environment well. He has been a protagonist both on the field and on the bench.”

Juventus were even one of the biggest spenders across the last two transfer windows.

“Let’s just say that after spending over 200m in the transfer market, it was normal to expect something more, right? A major revolution… and a major disappointment,” said Jugovic.

“Fourth place is fundamental because a club like Juventus must be in the Champions, but history is clear: in Turin, you play to win and lift trophies, not just for placements. At least, that’s what I was always taught when I wore the black-and-white jersey.”

How about his compatriot Vlahovic, who has lost his starting spot after Randal Kolo Muani’s loan move from PSG?

“The issue is not just technical, and everyone knows it,” Jugovic concluded.