Football’s best up-and-coming managers: Thiago Motta, a fascinating tactician
New York TimesThis is the first article in a series looking at some of European football’s most innovative up-and-coming managers. Where Bologna differ from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is that Motta encourages both centre-backs to drift into midfield, with full-backs tucking inside to be… fully back. Whether it is Lucumi, Beukema, or 21-year-old starlet Riccardo Calafiori, this approach is foundational to the fluidity of Bologna’s play and relies on a strong technical profile among Motta’s centre-backs. Only Napoli boast a higher share than Bologna’s 58 per cent possession in Serie A this season, with Motta keen for his side to patiently work an opening with their dynamic positional rotations. As shown by this season’s playstyle wheel, Bologna’s high “Circulate” ranking shows that Motta’s side are not quick to progress the ball forward, but will instead make short, sharp passes to move the opposition structure and bait the press before working an opening — not dissimilar to Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton.
History of this topic
Juventus struggling to shed Allegri’s defensive tactics under new coach Motta
Associated PressThiago Motta signs 3-year deal to coach Juventus. He replaces the fired Massimiliano Allegri
Associated Press
Serie A: Vincenzo Italiano replaces Thiago Motta as coach of Bologna
The Hindu
Coach Thiago Motta leaving Bologna after historic season, freeing him to take over Juventus
The HinduThiago Motta was a serial winner as a player. He’s making the same impact as the coach at Bologna
Associated PressThiago Motta to replace Mihajlović as Bologna’s coach
The HinduDiscover Related
)
)