Bologna coach Thiago Motta says he is proud of his players performance in their 0-0 draw with Torino, and refused to be drawn on his future. The Rossoblu remain in fourth place in the Serie A standings following the result, knowing that they are very close to securing Champions League football for the next season. Speaking post-match, Motta touched on the performance and the inevitable questions about his future, having been linked with the Juventus job in recent months:
“I couldn’t be prouder; I love these guys. Another fantastic display against a very tough team to face. We fought hard for every ball. We wanted to compete against a team that makes everyone suffer at home. Today was about fighting and battling, and the guys once again showed they are ready for anything: if there’s a game to play, they play. If there’s a battle to be fought, they go into it with great courage. That’s why I’m satisfied with today’s performance and the point we earned. The standings? When I see these guys in the locker room, it reminds me of the last preseason game against AZ, it seems. I remember their faces. Today, finding ourselves in this situation is wonderful. It’s worth noting that we’ve achieved something historic for this team, this city, and these fans, who deserve it. Reaching Europe after 22 years is fantastic. Credit to everyone, from the president to the entire management, the people who work in the club and always give their best to help, and ultimately, especially, these guys, who have done something extraordinary until today. Now we have 3 games left, we’re at kilometer 39 of our marathon, 3 more to go. We want to try, now that we’re certain of Europe, to reach the Champions League.”
The Bologna coach continued: “Difficulties make us grow and improve. Coaches need time to bring a group to collectively do what they have in mind. Not just me, all coaches. But obviously, we don’t have that time; in football, results speak. With the PSG U19s, we did very well in terms of playing style. In the Spezia year, there were many changes, but in the end, we had an extraordinary season. I remember all the players I’ve coached; they’re like children, you see them grow. The beginning with Bologna was difficult. But since things started going the right way, I’ve also had the satisfaction of seeing the team play well, offensively. We’ve won many games deservedly, but we’ve also drawn many, like tonight. But I’m happy and proud nonetheless because the guys understand that we can express our game at our best; other times, it requires adaptation. Tonight we did it well and brought a point home.”
Finally, Motta concluded: “Future? Xabi Alonso made a choice, and he’ll have his reasons. I arrived at a moment when I have to emphasize what has been done so far, something unimaginable and unexpected for everyone. Now, the end is near; let’s see what position we can finish this marathon in. Whatever happens, we’ve done something wonderful. But now that we’re here, we want to try until the end to reach the Champions League. Now everything else is secondary; my future or that of an individual player is no longer important. When we finish, we’ll sit down and see what the prerequisites are to continue or not. I always hope for the good of Bologna; since I arrived, I’ve felt very happy.”
