Report Motta provoked Yildiz during Juventus training: ‘You’re not Messi’

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Report Motta provoked Yildiz during Juventus training: ‘You’re not Messi’

Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini has questioned Thiago Motta’s handling of Kenan Yildiz in his final months at Juventus, revealing that the coach repeatedly took a provocative approach toward the player during training sessions. “You’re not Messi,” he reportedly told him.

The Türkiye international began the season as a key figure in Motta’s tactical plans, but something appeared to shift in the final weeks of the coach’s tenure. Yildiz was left out of crucial matches against Inter and Fiorentina and was even subbed off at half-time against Atalanta.

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epa11889266 Juventus coach Thiago Motta looks on during the UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg soccer match between Juventus FC and PSV Eindhoven, in Turin, Italy, 11 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Motta’s provocative remarks to Yildiz during Juventus training revealed​

After the Italo-Brazilian boss’ lack of empathy and poor relationship with certain members of the Bianconeri squad were cited as factors in his dismissal, Sabatini made a surprising revelation about tense exchanges that allegedly took place during Juventus’ training sessions.

“At a certain point, Yildiz disappeared from Thiago Motta’s hierarchy,” the journalist said during the ‘Calcio Selvaggio’ podcast, as reported by Tuttosport.

“He’s a young player who found himself shuffled around from one position to another, and on a couple of occasions during training, Motta told him: ‘Who do you think you are? You’re not Messi.'”

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TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus battles for possession with Mattia De Sciglio of Empoli during the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Such an attitude could explain why the 20-year-old remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes during Juventus’ 3-0 defeat at Fiorentina before the international break, a match that ultimately proved to be Motta’s last in charge.

Recent reports indicate that super agent Jorge Mendes is working to facilitate a move away from the Allianz Stadium for Yildiz, with several Premier League giants showing interest in the Turkish talent.

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