Bologna coach Thiago Motta is expecting an emotional start to 2023 by facing Roma and his old boss Jose Mourinho in the first official game since the death of Sinisa Mihajlovic. ‘It is not easy to get past pain like that.’
Mihajlovic was on the Bologna bench from January 2019 until September 2022, when he was fired to make way for Thiago Motta.
The Serbian tactician passed away on December 16, over three years since he was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia.
“We tried to experience the moment together as a group. It is not easy to get past pain like that, especially for the lads who spent several years working with him,” said Thiago Motta in a press conference.
“Sinisa deserves all the praise and tributes he received, for he was a wonderful person.”
His death was during the break for the 2022 World Cup, so this will be the first official match played by Bologna since losing Mihajlovic.
There are different emotions on the touchline too, because Thiago Motta is facing his old Inter coach Jose Mourinho, now in charge at Roma.
“Mourinho is a fantastic person and he allowed me to improve almost every element of my game, winning practically everything there was to win. He has always been special for me, not just for the rapport we had as player and coach, but as a person too.”
Bologna had seen out 2022 in relatively good form, progressing to the third round of the Coppa Italia and winning four of their last five Serie A games.
“We are in good shape and eager to get back on the field in a packed stadium. I am enthusiastic and we are happy to face a competitive team like Roma.”