As many know, I am an avid Juventus supporter. Juventus have recently fired their coach – Thiago Motta. It is quite a rare matter, as Juventus rarely ever fire their coach mid-season. This story sheds a lot of light on the huge importance on leadership – actually on servant leadership. Servant leadership is a philosophy where the leader’s primary role is to serve others, prioritising the needs of employees and fostering their development and well-being. This approach contrasts with traditional leadership models that emphasise the leader’s authority and the organisation’s objectives. Key characteristics of servant leadership include empathy, listening, stewardship, and commitment to the growth of people. ​Thiago Motta’s tenure as head coach of Juventus during the 2024-2025 season serves as a compelling case study in the absence of servant leadership qualities contributing to leadership failure.

Thiago Motta was appointed in June 2024 on a three-year contract following a successful period at Bologna. He faced significant challenges that culminated in his dismissal in March 2025.

​Lack of Empathy and Listening

Effective servant leaders actively listen to their team members and demonstrate empathy towards their concerns. Reports indicate that Motta’s relationship with the Juventus squad deteriorated over time, suggesting a potential failure to address players’ needs and perspectives adequately. This disconnect may have led to diminished morale and trust within the team, adversely affecting performance. ​

Poor Communication with Players

A hallmark of servant leadership is transparent, open, and empathetic communication. Motta, however, struggled to maintain a constructive dialogue with his players. Reports suggest that he often distanced himself from the squad, failing to build strong relationships with key players. Instead of offering encouragement and guidance, he reportedly adopted a detached and critical approach, which left many feeling unsupported. For example, when Juventus suffered a shocking 4-0 loss to Atalanta, instead of taking responsibility and rallying the team, Motta placed much of the blame on individual performances. This approach alienated players and fostered a culture of fear rather than collaboration.

Tactical Stubbornness Over Team Needs

Servant leadership involves adapting strategies based on the needs and strengths of the team. Motta, however, was criticized for rigidly adhering to his tactical philosophy, even when it clearly was not working. Despite Juventus struggling with his system, he refused to modify his approach to accommodate his squad’s strengths. This rigidity led to several humiliating losses, as players were forced into roles that did not suit their abilities. A servant leader would have prioritised the team’s needs and adjusted tactics accordingly rather than sticking to personal beliefs at the expense of results.

Lack of Emotional Intelligence in Handling Pressure

A servant leader remains composed and empathetic, especially in difficult situations. However, Motta showed signs of frustration and emotional volatility under pressure. After poor results, he often lashed out in post-match interviews, criticizing his players instead of protecting them from external pressure. For instance, after a disappointing draw against a lower-ranked team, he publicly questioned the commitment and effort of some senior players. This public shaming approach is the opposite of servant leadership, which emphasizes support, encouragement, and internal problem-solving rather than external blame.

Failure to Inspire and Motivate

Servant leaders inspire their teams by leading with purpose and focusing on long-term development. Under Motta, Juventus looked uninspired and demotivated. Players seemed disconnected on the field, and reports suggested that training sessions lacked intensity and energy. A leader who prioritises servant leadership would have worked on building a strong, united team culture by fostering individual growth and creating an environment where players felt valued and motivated. Instead, Juventus players reportedly felt directionless, with no clear sense of purpose or long-term vision.

Alienation of Key Players

Servant leadership involves empowering individuals by recognizing their strengths and making them feel valued. Motta, however, had a tendency to marginalize key players rather than lifting them up. For example, star striker Dusan Vlahović, who had previously been a focal point for the club, reportedly struggled under Motta due to inconsistent tactics and a lack of clear direction. Other players suffered the same faith. Instead of working with these talented individuals to maximise their potential, Motta’s leadership approach led to underperformance and frustration within the squad.

Failure to Commit to Player Development

A servant leader is dedicated to the growth and development of their team members. Motta’s public criticism of players such as Koopmeiners, Nico González and Vlahović following poor performances suggests a punitive approach rather than one focused on mentorship and development. Such actions can erode player confidence and hinder their professional growth, which is counterproductive to the principles of servant leadership. ​

Conclusion

It is evident that the lack of servant leadership qualities in Motta’s approach appeared to correlate with Juventus’s decline in performance. The team dropped to fifth in the league standings, trailing 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan, and faced elimination from key competitions. This downturn not only affected the club’s competitive edge but also had financial and reputational repercussions. ​Thiago Motta’s tenure at Juventus underscores the critical importance of servant leadership in achieving organizational success. This case serves as a reminder that effective leadership is not solely about strategic decisions but also about nurturing and serving the individuals who contribute to the organisation’s mission

Thiago Motta’s tenure at Juventus serves as a prime example of how leadership that lacks empathy, adaptability, and a focus on team development can lead to failure. Instead of fostering an environment where players felt supported and motivated, he created one where confusion, frustration, and disconnection thrived. A true servant leader would have prioritised listening, adapting, and empowering players—qualities that were missing in Motta’s approach. His downfall reinforces the idea that leadership is not just about tactics and authority but about serving and uplifting those you lead.