With the ex-Bologna manager’s three-year deal with the Turin titans only lasting nine months, and a hefty pay-off, it was surprising that just two Juve stars swiftly posted on social media.
With Project Motta having crashed and burned, defender Gleison Bremer and winger Samuel Mbangula took the time to thank Motta on Instagram. Although there is the excuse that there are a whopping 13 squad players involved in international duties.
The pair both referred to Motta as “Mister”, while their team-mates didn’t seem too bothered to lose their leader.
With #MottaOut posted for months, it was no surprise that Motta's sacking was all over social media like a rash from fans, media and pundits. Yet the quietness from Juventus players was shocking.
There was no indication that Motta had lost the dressing room. Yet pivotal players such as Andrea Cambiaso, Federico Gatti and Dusan Vlahovic were all expected to leave at the end of the season had Motta remained at the helm.
Motta, who had been away to visit family based in Portugal, was relieved of his duties on Sunday. The club agreed a short-term contract with Igor Tudor, back for a third stint with Juventus, after he drove to Turin from his home in Split to seal the deal.
Well wishes for "Mister"
Before Tudor took his first training session yesterday afternoon, Bremer and Mbangula had fired off positive social media messages about Motta.
The Belgium international posted: “Mister, thank you so much for everything. I can never thank you enough for trusting me since day one. You always wanted the best from us and you have shown that. I wish you all the best for the future!!"
Brazilian Bremer, sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury early into Motta’s reign, wrote: “Thank you Mister and all of your staff. I sincerely wish you all the best for the future.”
Motta liked to keep his squad members on their toes by mixing up the starting line-up, even with players utilised in their unfavoured positions, and choosing various captains.
This instability didn’t sit well with the players, and when anyone fell out of favour with Motta they remained firmly down the pecking order.
There's now a clean slate with Tudor in charge, albeit for only nine Serie A matches and a shot at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals. If the former Juventus defender and assistant coach can make an impact, then expect the Bianconeri players to wish him a fond farewell on social media platforms.