Interest From Outside Italy Could Complicate Matters For Juventus And AC Milan In Their Pursuit Of Thiago Motta
Written By Onyeka Daniel
Former Italy international, Thiago Motta is doing an excellent job at Serie A club Bologna, as they remain in contention to qualify for the Champions Legaue next season but it seems as if the Rossoblu boss is postponing talks to extend his stay at the club.
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The former midfielder has been linked with jobs at Milan, Roma, Juventus and now, there’s an added interest from Barcelona and Manchester United. So, considering the progress his side have made this season, it is easy to see why big clubs like him a lot. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport state Bologna, owner Joey Saputo want to keep him till 2026 and would like to hold talks about his future as soon as possible.
Saputo and Motta have often spoken to each other about 2026, but a renewal is far from being signed. Motta is seriously thinking only about the present, whereas Saputo would like to sign him to a new deal quickly.
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The former Inter midfielder has been described as an ‘ambitious’ manager who would only join a bigger club if he is handed control of the project. Another reason would be that if Bologna qualify for Europe and do not intend to push ahead with their ambitions, he won’t be happy with the direction of the club.
Bologna are keen to tie him down to a new contract, but the coach isn’t interested in discussing his future until the end of the season. The 41-year-old wants to focus exclusively on the fight for European qualification, not wanting distractions until after the conclusion of the action.
Predictably, Bologna fans are desperate for Motta to say and over 4000 have already signed an online petition calling him to stay at the club. It’s already known that Xavi Hernandez would be leaving Barcelona at the end of this season and Motta, who grew up in the famous La Masia academy could fancy a return to the club.
Even if he wasn’t given much chance to prove himself there in his playing career. AC Milan and Juventus are also interested in his service as they’re both said to be unsatisfied with the works of Stefano Pioli and Massimiliano Allegri respectively.
And while Napoli is also said to be interested too, one of entourage recently revealed why no coach would want to join the Partenopei, Motta inclusive, so he’s probably going not going to be the next manager for the Serie A defending champions, unless Aurelio De Laurentiis stops interfering.
Meanwhile…
Ex-Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has a ‘fire inside’ but Federico Chiesa lacks consistency that would be ‘vital’ for the Bianconeri. Chiesa and Vlahovic were like night and day for Juventus in their 3-2 win over Frosinone on Sunday as the Serbia international scored twice and delivered an assist for Daniele Rugani’s winner, while his teammate Chiesa was subbed off after barely 60 minutes.
Vlahovic has also become the best scorer in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024. Prandelli, a former Fiorentina and Italy coach, and one of Vlahovic’s ex-bosses at the Stadio Franchi, seems not surprised by the striker’s superb form this year. “He has more self-esteem and is convinced about his role inside Juventus,” he said in an interview with Tuttosport recently.
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“Against Frosinone, he literally dragged Juventus. He can become a leader and the reference point for personality, technique and goals. “He is a sensible guy,” continued the ex-Azzurri tactician. “He has a fire inside and really cares about the consideration he feels from his teammates and the environment. If he feels trust, he gives his best.”
Vlahovic scored 11 goals in 23 appearances under Prandelli at Fiorentina, becoming a regular starter for the first time at the Stadio Franchi in 2020-21. Prandelli didn’t coach Chiesa in Florence but is convinced the Italian striker can surely do more in Turin. “What they are lacking for a leap in quality is the best Chiesa. I don’t know what he’s missing, but he needs consistency, which would be vital for Juventus,” Prandelli concluded.
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