Why Juventus Struggles in UEFA Champions League Despite Major Enhancements
Throughout their attempts in the UEFA Champions League, Juventus has shown significant improvement with the arrival of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Blaise Matuidi, Aaron Ramsey, and Adrien Rabiot, yet they continue to face challenges. This article explores the reasons behind this struggle and suggests potential solutions.
Challenges with Coaching and Recruitment
One of the main issues facing Juventus is the disconnection between their recruitment strategies and managerial choices. The sporting director, Fabio Paratici, focuses on acquiring attacking players, while managers like Maurizio Sarri and before him, Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte, prioritize defensive solidity. This mismatch is evident in their recent managerial choices, each emphasizing defensive prowess over offensive flair. For instance, Sarri’s pragmatic approach at Chelsea led to vocal fan dissatisfaction, culminating in a desire for his departure despite winning the Europa League. Similarly, Juventus may need a coach like Julian Nagelsmann, known for his offensive playing style, to better align with their attacking ambitions.
Ambitions and Current Struggles
Notably, despite their improvements, Juventus still has the chance to succeed. Their recent exit to Ajax highlights the potential, indicating that they are capable of competing but may need adjustments to their tactics and team composition. However, their midfield lacks the necessary creativity and quality, a key component for success in the Champions League.
Midfield Lacks Creativity and Quality
Despite efforts to strengthen their midfield, Pjanic, Rabiot, and Ramsey have not provided the desired impact. Pjanic, despite his experience, appears to have lost his touch, and Rabiot and Ramsey have had limited game time. As a result, Juventus needs a young, creative midfielder to complement the attacking prowess of Cristiano Ronaldo. This type of player could bring the necessary creativity and coordination to link up with Ronaldo, enhancing the team's overall performance.
Future Outlook
The upcoming second leg of the match offers hope for Juventus, but they must address their midfield deficiencies. Ramsey and Rabiot, having joined the team this season, have yet to bring the expected impact, and the midfield remains under-strength. To win in the UEFA Champions League, Juventus cannot rely solely on Ronaldo; they need a well-rounded team with a robust midfield that can support its star forward.
In conclusion, while Juventus retains the potential to succeed in the UEFA Champions League, they need to rethink their approach to both recruitment and coaching to better align their objectives and strategies. Attaching themselves to managers who can foster an attacking style and acquiring players with the necessary creativity in midfield are essential steps towards achieving their goals in Europe's premier club competition.