Bologna announced Thiago Motta's departure from the club amid an impending switch to Juventus.
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Motta leaves BolognaTurned down a contract extensionSet to succeed Allegri at JuveWHAT HAPPENED?
Motta informed the club management that he will not renew his contract which concludes at the end of the campaign. Notable achievements have marked his time at Bologna, most prominently guiding the team to qualify for the Champions League this season. This marks the first time Bologna has secured a spot in Europe’s premier club competition since 1964, the year they last claimed the Serie A title.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The speculation surrounding Motta's next move has been rife, with multiple reports indicating that he is set to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus. Allegri was dismissed following a controversial Coppa Italia victory after his explosive behaviour, including a rant at match officials and alleged manhandling of the chief editor of Tuttosport, was deemed "incompatible" with the binding principles of the club.
WHAT BOLOGNA SAID
Bologna released a statement that read: "This morning Thiago Motta informed the club of his intention not to renew his contract with Bologna FC 1909. Having taken note of the decision, the club thanks the coach for his extraordinary work and wishes him the best of luck for the rest of his career."
Bologna president Joey Saputo added: "In these two years I have met a prepared and winning coach, who has given the team a brilliant playing identity. The achievement of qualifying for the Champions League consigns him and all the players to the history of our Club. I would have liked him to stay at Bologna, but I can only thank him and his staff for these wonderful seasons and wish him the best for the future.”
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Bologna have been one of the surprise packages of the season. They have significantly improved their performance, losing only five games this season compared to 12 defeats in the previous one. This remarkable turnaround has seen them rise to the upper echelons of the Serie A table, highlighting Motta’s impact on the team.
For Juventus, the arrival of Motta signals a new direction. The club is expected to undergo significant changes, adopting a playing style that aligns with Motta’s philosophy of possession and advanced pressing – representing a shift from the tactics employed by Allegri.
