In recent years, Juventus, once the undisputed giant of Italian football, has found itself in uncharted waters. The club’s struggle to reclaim its Serie A dominance has puzzled fans and analysts alike. Many were quick to blame the team’s lackluster performances on key player absences, notably Brazilian center-back Gleison Bremer. While Bremer’s absence due to injury or rotation choices has undeniably left a void in defense, the reality is that Juventus’ decline is a multifaceted issue that extends well beyond a single player’s absence.
Bremer, who was brought into Juventus as a defensive stalwart, has certainly been a pillar in Juve’s backline. His physicality, pace, and defensive intelligence have made him invaluable in a squad that has traditionally relied on a strong defense to ground its game. Bremer’s absence has often been visible, with the team conceding more goals and lacking solidity at the back. But the truth is, Juventus’ problems run much deeper. Issues with management, inconsistent tactical approaches, a midfield that lacks creativity, and an aging forward line have all played significant roles in Juventus’ recent struggles.
One of the most notable issues facing Juventus is inconsistency in management. The club has seen a revolving door of coaches in recent years, each bringing a new approach, style, and philosophy. From Maurizio Sarri’s short-lived reign to Andrea Pirlo’s experimental tactics, and now Massimiliano Allegri’s conservative approach, Juventus has struggled to find a clear direction. Allegri’s return was meant to bring stability, yet even under his leadership, the team has displayed a lack of cohesion and identity. The players appear uncertain about their roles, with shifting formations and unclear strategies leading to confusion on the pitch.
Moreover, Juventus’ midfield has been a point of contention. The days of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, and Arturo Vidal have long passed, leaving a void that the current squad has been unable to fill. Juventus’ midfield lacks the creativity and dynamism required to control games. Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Fagioli, and Weston McKennie have shown glimpses of quality, but the unit as a whole has been unable to deliver consistently. The lack of a true playmaker has hurt Juve’s ability to transition smoothly from defense to attack, leaving the forwards isolated and forcing the defense to shoulder more of the workload.
Additionally, Juventus’ forward line has struggled to deliver the goals needed to sustain a title challenge. Dusan Vlahovic, while immensely talented, has not been provided with enough service to consistently find the back of the net. Federico Chiesa’s return from injury has brought some hope, yet he too has struggled with finding his pre-injury form. As a result, Juventus has often resorted to cautious play, focusing more on defensive solidity than offensive creativity, an approach that has not yielded the desired results.
While Bremer’s absence has left a visible gap in the backline, it’s clear that Juventus’ issues are systemic. The lack of a cohesive strategy, deficiencies in midfield creativity, and a lackluster forward line have all contributed to a decline in form. To reclaim their former glory, Juventus must look beyond individual player absences and instead focus on creating a balanced, cohesive squad. The need for a strategic overhaul is apparent; without addressing these core issues, Juventus will continue to struggle, and Bremer’s presence alone will not be enough to fix the cracks in an increasingly fragile foundation.
They don’t spend as much money as they used to spend and they didn’t develop younger talent.