Former Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli believes Thiago Motta’s tactical approach to football at Bologna is changing Serie A. Motta has helped lead the Rossoblu up to 5th place in the table, and look on course to feature in European football competitions next season. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli explained why he always had belief in Motta and explained the foundations to his game, which are helping to change Italy’s top flight:
“He sees the game like few others… Always has. When I called him up for the national team, they said he was slow. Hmm. Thiago had a quickness of mind, thought, and extraordinary vision, all characteristics that I see reflected in his Bologna team, which deserves the position it holds.”
Thiago Motta’s Game Foundations. Where do we start?
“Thiago works on game concepts rather than repetitive, schematic situations – you know, the kind where if one plan fails, everything falls apart. It’s not a schematic football, but a conceptual one. And every player in possession has 3-4 different possibilities. Let me explain: whoever has the ball can make two possible and safe passes to their sides but also one forward, short or long. You understand it well by looking at his team from above: and that’s also why opponents haven’t yet figured out how his game works, because there are so many solutions, role changes, and sector occupations. It’s true that he also has some schemes, but they’re never the same. That’s why, for me, Thiago is the true innovator of the league.”
Moving on: what are the other characteristics?
“He’s charismatic, poised, confident but convincing with his players. It seems to me that there is absolute serenity: between those who play more and those who play less. Thiago is sincere, direct, present, demanding but also rewarding: when you are valued as a person and have strong coaching foundations, the result is today’s Bologna.”
Has he taken anything from you?
“No, I don’t think so. Greats like him are not inclined to copy but rather to develop their experiences with personality. And Thiago has gained a lot of experiences and victories.”
Since he’s been at Bologna, he has earned 90 points. Motta is… scary.
“Even his construction is not just about getting out but always about verticality: just see how he fills, maneuvering the players from one position to another, the opponent’s half of the field. The same rotation of the midfield triangle, constantly moving, is another concept. I believe he is the number one in Italy today. Then, the pressing of his players: not just two or three, but all. A unified body. He’s young but already has innovative concepts. He doesn’t follow trends: he goes straight his own way, differently.”
He has enhanced many players, several young ones, and especially with him, Zirkzee (“His Elegance”) is becoming a top player.
“Zirkzee has his own way of playing. Maybe over time, he will have to refine his killer instinct, but Thiago didn’t want to change him: he facilitated him. He respects the characteristics of his players, also capturing nuances that allow some elements to do other things, as seen with Calafiori or Ferguson.”
Motta’s contract expires in June: should he stay to start a cycle?
“Well, I don’t know. But I see that the city is truly enjoying it, that the club values its well-made investments, and that maybe there will be an opening in Europe. It happened to me in the past too, I was convinced that with that Fiorentina built over the years, we could go far, win. And I stayed.”
