Antonio Barillà has expressed his dissatisfaction with Thiago Motta’s comments following Juventus’ elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSV. Motta has often faced criticism for his post-match remarks, with many of them sparking debate among fans and the media. His words frequently provoke reactions, and at times, they are misinterpreted to suggest something he may not have intended.
After the defeat to PSV, Motta stated that it was time to move on and focus on Juventus’ next match. However, those remarks have not been well received by the Juventus fanbase, and Barillà is among those unimpressed. The pundit believes that the team’s performance should not simply be brushed aside in anticipation of the next fixture.
Speaking to Tuttojuve, Barillà voiced his concerns about Motta’s attitude following the loss:
“Regardless of the defeat, the thing that most disappointed me after the match against PSV were Motta’s statements. You can’t summarise everything with a simple ‘let’s start again from Cagliari’. A sporting objective was missed and a lot of money was lost, so it would have been appropriate to do a more in-depth reflection, for example with respect to one’s own ideas, the assumption of responsibilities. In short, to do self-criticism. I wonder how thin the line is between low character profile and presumption.”
Barillà’s frustration stems from the belief that Motta’s approach lacks the necessary introspection after such a significant setback. While moving forward is an essential part of football, some feel that the Juventus manager should have taken more time to acknowledge the gravity of the defeat. The club’s Champions League exit represents not just a sporting failure but also a financial blow, making it all the more important to assess what went wrong.
However, from another perspective, dwelling too much on a disappointing result may not be productive. A manager’s primary responsibility is to keep his team focused on future success rather than lingering on past failures. Motta’s intention may have simply been to shift attention to the upcoming fixture and ensure his squad remains motivated.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the challenge managers face in handling public statements after difficult results. While some demand accountability and deeper reflection, others believe that looking ahead is the best way to move past disappointment. Juventus’ response in their next match will likely determine whether Motta’s approach was the right one.
