Fabio Capello, the former Italy coach and legendary manager, has criticized Dusan Vlahovic's reaction after being substituted during Juventus' hard-fought 2-1 victory over Monza. While the win was crucial for Juventus, who had previously been held to a 2-2 draw by Venezia, Capello's attention was drawn to the Serbian striker's visible frustration when he was replaced in the 85th minute, despite not having contributed with a goal or an assist in the match.
Vlahovic, who has had a solid season so far with seven goals in 15 league appearances, was not involved in any significant offensive moments against Monza, where Juventus struggled to break down their opponents. He managed just two shots during the game and was notably active in the opposition's box with eight touches, a statistic that still led his team. However, his performance did not meet the high standards expected of him, especially given his anticipated goal tally this season, where he has underperformed his expected goals (xG) figure of 9.68.
Capello, known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching, expressed his disappointment at Vlahovic’s actions. He stated, “I hope he was angry with himself and not [coach] Thiago Motta. I don't understand such behaviour. It shows a lack of respect for the coach and the teammate who entered the pitch.” Capello’s criticism was rooted in the idea that a player's frustration should be directed inwardly rather than showing dissatisfaction with the coach's decision. Vlahovic's anger, according to Capello, reflected poorly not only on himself but also on his relationship with the team and coaching staff.
Despite Juventus securing all three points, Capello also took issue with their overall performance in the latter stages of the match. He noted that while they dominated the first half, Juventus seemed to retreat into a defensive shell during the final 25 minutes, failing to put the game beyond Monza's reach. Capello remarked, "It was a good first half... They just focused on defending in the final 25 minutes." This observation highlighted a recurring theme in Juventus’ season: they have struggled to turn dominant performances into decisive wins. Their inability to kill off games effectively, despite having plenty of chances in the second half, has been a key issue.
Juventus remains unbeaten in the league this season but has drawn 10 of their 17 matches, leaving them in a relatively disappointing position. With 17 points dropped from draws, they find themselves nine points adrift of league leaders Atalanta. Capello’s critique reflects a broader sense of underachievement at the club, with many feeling that Juventus should be performing at a higher level, particularly considering their stature in Italian football. The team's inability to secure all three points in games where they had ample opportunities, coupled with a lack of offensive fluidity, has raised concerns about their ambitions for the season.
Despite Juventus' struggles, Capello believes that Inter Milan, who currently sit in third place, are still the team to beat in Serie A. While Inter has also had some inconsistencies, Capello sees them as the most likely candidates to challenge for the title, ahead of Juventus and other potential contenders. His comments reflect the overall competitive nature of Serie A, where even traditional giants like Juventus are facing increasing challenges from a more dynamic and competitive league.
As for Vlahovic, the criticism is another reminder of the pressure on him to deliver consistently. With Juventus depending heavily on him for goals, the striker’s frustration with his performance and his reaction to being substituted may indicate a deeper dissatisfaction with his current role and contribution to the team. His ability to bounce back from this criticism and refocus on his game will be crucial for Juventus as they look to close the gap on the league leaders and compete for silverware this season. The club's attacking struggles, coupled with Vlahovic’s underwhelming return, will be areas to watch as the season progresses.
