Causio: Juventus and Vlahovic Must Part Ways

• Franco Causio believes Juventus lacks strong personalities more than big names.
• The team must add game-changers and leaders, especially in midfield.
• Causio calls Vlahovic’s stay in Turin unsustainable for both sides.
• He warns that trying too hard to please Motta was a mistake.

Franco Causio, Juventus legend with 446 appearances and 72 goals in black and white, has no doubts. The problem at Juve isn’t just the lack of star power. It’s the absence of real character. “The shirt weighs the same for everyone,” he says, “but not everyone can handle a season like a rollercoaster. And going down isn’t fun, it hurts.”

Juventus has only made one official signing. Is the club behind schedule? “Definitely. Something needs to be done. So far, we’ve seen little.”

What’s missing? “It’s obvious. There’s no one who can break open games, create superiority, and win matches.”

Is Conceição enough? “He’s a good player. But no, he’s not enough. He can be a part of the squad, but Juventus needs more than that. We expect more from him too.”

What’s the main concern? “I don’t see anyone on the pitch capable of making a difference. The team wins, yes, but what is the team made of? Individuals. And Juve is far behind Inter, Napoli, and even Milan, who won’t play in Europe.”

With a month left in the window, Causio hopes top names still arrive. “Even though I don’t see many around,” he adds. Money is tight, but that’s not the only issue. “Juve must always aim to win. Last season, just making the Champions League was seen as enough. That has to be the minimum.”

“The mistake was pleasing Motta too much”

What went wrong last season? “Some good players were signed. Giuntoli was praised, then blamed when results didn’t come. But injuries played a big part too — Bremer especially, and others like Cabal and Koopmeiners. Even Douglas Luiz, who everyone wanted.”

Still, Causio believes the biggest mistake was trying to please Thiago Motta too much. “A good coach works with what he has. That’s the real test.”

Can Koopmeiners still come good? “I hope so. But we saw a poor version of him. Many players from Atalanta struggle when they move elsewhere.”

Does the Juventus shirt weigh more? “Like Milan or Inter’s, yes. It takes charisma and professionalism. But if you’ve got the quality, you show it everywhere. Look at Yildiz. He wears the number 10, worn by Ballon d’Or winners. It’s heavy. But he feels responsible, and he’ll grow.”

“Vlahovic must go. Tudor needs a true playmaker.”

Is personality missing? “Absolutely. Especially in midfield. They need someone to organize the game.”

What does Causio think of Tudor? “He spent many years in Turin and understands what Juventus means. That’s a huge asset. He’s changed the team. Just look at the fourth-place finish and the Club World Cup run.”

What about the 3-4-2-1 formation? “Formations are made by players. But Juve still needs more. Strong personalities. And a real playmaker. That’s the key.”

Who they sign in midfield and how those players perform will define the season. “Last year, no one expected that level from the new players. Everyone hoped for more.”

And Vlahovic? “There has to be common sense. The player should reconsider his situation. He can’t stay in Turin. And Juve can’t keep him. With intelligence, especially thinking about the Club World Cup, a solution can be found.”

One thing is clear, says Causio: “Juve should never have ended up in this position.”