Thiago Motta on Barcelona links, lesson from Ancelotti and ‘extraordinary’ Leicester loanee | OneFootball

Bologna coach Thiago Motta insists he and his players are focused on the upcoming Serie A game against Sassuolo despite recent transfer rumours and reveals what he learned from Carlo Ancelotti at PSG.

The Rossoblu host Sassuolo at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Saturday and will be looking to move closer to fourth-placed Atalanta, who are just three points ahead of them.

Motta, a former Italy international, has been linked with his former club Barcelona who are looking for a replacement for their coach Xavi in 2024-25. Motta’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara runs out in June 2024.

Likewise, Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly attracted interest from Juventus for next season.

When asked about his thoughts on the recent rumours at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Motta replied: “My players and I are totally focused on Bologna and Sassuolo.”

The former Italy international was also questioned on his coaching style: “I don’t know really, but I’m happy with what I’ve done until now.

“I’ve learned about freedom in attack and the general organisation of the team from a great coach like Carlo Ancelotti.”

Motta won’t be on the bench against Sassuolo on Saturday as he’ll serve a one-match ban after receiving a red card in the previous league game against Milan.

“I don’t like to talk about it, but I always live emotions strongly. I am not proud because I always want to be an example for my players and I always ask them to control their emotions on the pitch.

“The same is true of the fans who go to the stadium to watch football and not other things. I hope I can improve in this aspect.”

Motta also praised Victor Kristiansen who joined the Rossoblu from Leicester City on loan with an option to buy last summer.

“He is a fantastic guy; I love his attitude when he gets the ball, his reaction to errors and his efforts to recover possession because they are similar to mine when I was 16 and I was playing for Barcelona. He is fantastic and shows what I want to see, so I am really happy.”

Motta also had words of praise for club owner Joey Saputo.

“He is a fantastic person, I admire him and am happy when he is close to the team. These people want to watch football, so I am not proud of my reaction at San Siro. We need this magic, which the guys give, and I hope we can keep the momentum.”