Thiago Motta had the opportunity to take over defending champions Napoli last summer, but the tactician had clear reasons for rejecting the offer.
The 41-year-old Italian-Brazilian is one of the most exciting up-and-coming coaches in Serie A, taking Bologna to an unexpected battle for European qualification. His impressive work has quickly started to attract attention from across Europe, with clubs like Barcelona and Milan interested.
Napoli are also looking to pick up a new coach at the end of the season, clearly needing to start a new project after Walter Mazzarri’s departure. Aurelio De Laurentiis’ previous decision of Rudi Garcia didn’t go well, so fans are concerned as they wait to learn the future of the dugout.
TMW details how De Laurentiis held numerous rounds of talks with Motta last summer as he looked for a replacement for Luciano Spalletti, believing the Italian-Brazilian could be the right choice to take over.
Motta’s contract with Bologna expires in June 2024, so a deal wouldn’t have been too difficult to pull off. The coach ultimately rejected the idea, however, as he wanted reassurances from every point of view – sporting, financial and managerial.
He was unconvinced by De Laurentiis’ managerial reassurances, disappointed that the club weren’t looking to take the opportunity to try and improve the Scudetto-winning squad.