After just six matches under the management of Thiago Motta, we can already see the outlines of his style of play. This prompted me to conduct a brief analysis comparing how Motta's Juventus differs from the Juventus that was under the management of Massimiliano Allegri during his second term as the club's manager from the 2021/2022 season to 2023/2024, based on available statistical data from the fbref website.
Using metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play, I compared various aspects of both managers' game - from points per match, goals scored and conceded, to ball possession and style of play. My goal was to better understand how the playing styles of these two managers differ and how these styles have affected Juventus' success.
Analysis of Results and Defensive Solidity
The first significant difference is in the number of points per match. Motta currently achieves 2 points per match, while Allegri had an average of 1.84. Both managers' teams scored the same number of goals per match (1.5), but Motta has a better defense, conceding only 0.2 goals per match, while Allegri's defense conceded 0.9.
Motta also has a higher percentage of matches without conceding a goal (83.3% compared to Allegri's 42.4%). This statistic points to Motta's defensive strategy which includes more blocks (11.3 per match) to prevent opponents' shots before they reach the goal. For comparison, under Allegri, Juventus recorded fewer blocks (9.4 per match).
Furthermore, when we look at the number of shots on goal, Motta's Juventus receives fewer shots towards their goal (1.8 compared to Allegri's 3.4). This indicates that Motta's defense successfully limits opponent's chances.
Attack Analysis
Looking at the expected goals (xG) statistic, we see that both managers were very close to the actual number of goals their teams scored. Motta has slightly lower expectations (1.2) compared to Allegri (1.3), but exceeds this expectation with 0.3 goals more than expected.
When we look at shots, Motta's Juventus has fewer total shots (11.2 compared to Allegri's 13.6). However, both teams have a similar percentage of shots on target (Motta 31.3% compared to Allegri's 32.3%). When these data are compared with the number of goals per shot on target (Motta 0.38 compared to Allegri's 0.31), we see that Motta's Juventus makes more efficient use of their chances.
Analysis of Ball Possession and Style of Play
In terms of ball possession, Motta prefers a more controlled approach. His team completes more passes (535.2 compared to Allegri's 369.6) and has a higher successful pass percentage (88.6% compared to 82%). This statistic shows Motta's game philosophy which emphasizes control over the ball and passing accuracy.
Motta also prefers play in the middle of the field, with a higher number of touches in the middle third of the field (346 compared to Allegri's 253.3). However, despite greater possession, Motta's Juventus has fewer touches in the opponent's penalty area (16.8 compared to Allegri's 20.1), indicating a more cautious approach in the final third.
Motta's Juventus also records more "carries" - situations where players control the ball with their feet (420 compared to Allegri's 315.4). This is another indicator of Motta's ball control philosophy. Also, Motta's Juventus records more progressive "carries" - situations where players carry the ball towards the opponent's goal (20.5 compared to Allegri's 16.4).
Conclusion
Both managers brought their unique style of play to the Juventus bench. Allegri preferred a more direct approach with more chances and a more aggressive defense. His offensive approach to the game resulted in a higher number of goals, but also a higher risk in defense.
On the other hand, Motta prefers a more controlled style with greater ball possession and better defense. His strategy of dominating ball possession allows Juventus to control the pace of the game and limit opponent's opportunities.
Motta also emphasizes discipline in defense, with fewer fouls and lost balls. This tactic, along with a higher number of blocks, helps reduce the number of goals conceded.
In attack, Motta focuses on creating high-quality opportunities rather than a large number of shots. Although his team has fewer total shots, the efficiency in exploiting chances is higher.
It will be interesting to follow how Motta's style will develop in the future.
#Juventus #Allegri #Motta #FootballAnalysis
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