Thiago Motta explains what Alexis Saelemaekers should learn from Lewis Ferguson and why Bologna are ‘not even thinking’ about a Champions League spot after beating Atalanta.
The Rossoblu have made history, as they had not won six consecutive Serie A matches since the club’s heyday in the 1960s.
It had started on the wrong foot with Ademola Lookman putting the hosts in front, but a Joshua Zirkzee penalty was followed four minutes later by the Ferguson volley and they then defended the onslaught from Atalanta.
The coach had surprised when taking Riccardo Orsolini off at half-time, but Alexis Saelemaekers proved pivotal to changing the game, as he earned the penalty and was also involved in the second goal.
“I don’t think the substitutions were the only reason, it was a very complicated match against a team accustomed to playing at this level,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.
“We stayed in there, making the most of our chances to get a good victory. When Saelemaekers comes on with this attitude, he brings something extra. Ndoye and the others can play on the left, but he has something special.
“However, I don’t like it at times when he dives.”
In the final minutes, Thiago Motta literally lifted Saelemaekers off the ground and threw him back onto the pitch after he had gone down under a challenge on the touchline.
The Belgian could probably learn from Ferguson, as the Scotland international is emerging as a key figure for Bologna.
“I always give him 10 out of 10, not for the goal, but because he is a warrior and sets the example for his teammates.”
Bologna are now four points clear in fourth place, as Roma have leapfrogged Atalanta into fifth.
Unlike the other challengers for Champions League qualification, they also have the advantage of being able to focus solely on Serie A, as they are not in other tournaments.
“I am not even thinking about the Champions League. I am focused only on our performances, our training and being ready to face every match to the best of our abilities.”