Thiago Motta assures he is ready to take the reins at Bologna and explains the kind of team he wants to see. ‘I like teams that are attacking, but have balance, who react immediately when losing the ball.’
The Rossoblu became the first Serie A side this season to fire their coach, dismissing Sinisa Mihajlovic after an emotional three-and-a-half-year tenure that saw him twice go into hospital for leukaemia treatment.
Caretaker managers were in place for the 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, with Thiago Motta watching from the stands of the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“The team had a great reaction after going a goal down and I complimented the lads, telling them to continue like this,” said Thiago Motta in his presentation press conference.
“I was pushed to come here by the history of Bologna and the team we have. I feel proud to be here as the coach of Bologna. I have full respect for Mihajlovic, he will always be part of Bologna’s history.”
The new boss refused to say if he would play with three or four at the back, insisting we would have to wait and see during match situations, but did describe some other concepts he wants to see.
“I like teams who play attacking football, but with balance. I would like a team that reacts immediately when losing the ball.
“As far as I am concerned, a team must have a tactical organisation that also gives individual players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch. We must always focus on what is best for the team.”
Marko Arnautovic has been the undoubted star of the season so far, scoring all but one of Bologna’s goals.
“A striker needs to work for the team, as when we don’t have the ball, he has to be the first defender.”
Former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta was at Spezia last season, his first full campaign after 10 games at Genoa in 2019.
“Everything I experienced made me ready for this challenge. I had many extraordinary coaches in my career that taught me so much, like Carlo Ancelotti, Gian Piero Gasperini and Jose Mourinho, so it is difficult to choose just one influence.”