Thiago Motta ‘proud and honoured’ by interest | OneFootball

Bologna coach Thiago Motta is ‘happy and proud’ to be linked with top clubs, and with comparisons to Roberto De Zerbi, but insists he is ‘not thinking about the future.’

The Italo-Brazilian took charge of the Rossoblu in September 2022 and his contract is due to expire on June 30, with most assuming he will walk away for a more prestigious job.

Attending a gala event at Castiglion Fiorentino this evening, he was asked about his career and the next step.

“When I started doing this work, and I was fortunate to start straight away, I realised it was my greatest passion after playing football,” said the former Inter star.

“As a coach, there are different responsibilities. You have to put lots of lads together who think in different ways, but make them play together.”

Thiago Motta was pressed on his feelings at being linked with so many big sides, including Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, Milan and Napoli.

“Of course I am happy and proud. It is very pleasing and a recognition for all that our team has done, not just in terms of results, but the way we achieved those results on the field.

“I feel very good and am honestly not thinking about my future, because we are experiencing such a great moment and I want to enjoy it to the full. When the time comes, I will think about the future.”

Brighton and Hove Albion coach De Zerbi also took time out to praise Thiago Motta, so are there similarities between their approaches?

“I think Roberto is a great coach, who is in a very tough competition like the Premier League. I just try to do what I feel inside. I learned short passing in Brazil, from five-a-side football, and that remained within me.”

Luciano Spalletti is trying to get Italy playing out from the back, although there were a few hiccups using this approach in the 2-1 friendly win over Venezuela.

“You need the long ball too in modern football, and perhaps we go a bit too far sometimes in playing out from the back, but I think it does overall bring better results.

“It’s not really a debate over playing out from the back, it’s a situation that can be used. I really like it, I studied and trained it because I think it can be beneficial to a team.

“Spalletti is a great coach, he proved it over the years, including by taking Napoli to an extraordinary Scudetto. I am confident Italy will have a great Euros this summer.”