AC Milan might face some strong competition if they are going to try and appoint Thiago Motta as their next head coach, if a report from Spain is to be believed.
As we wrote in our most recent Substack update and have repeatedly stated in the past few weeks, the only name really taken into consideration by the Milan management to replace Pioli that of Motta, rather than Antonio Conte or any of the other names linked.
We published a feature last night regarding how Milan might look under the ex-midfielder, taking into account his tactical approach and the players he might like to bring with him from Bologna.
However, it might not be straightforward to get Motta. Cadena SER (via Radio Rossonera) reports that he is profile that Barcelona president Joan Laporta really likes and there could be a change of head coach there.
The Blaugrana are losing sight of one goal after another. After handing the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid in the final, they were defeated in the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao and LaLiga is now shaping up as a duel between Girona and Real Madrid.
This is why it cannot be ruled out that Xavi could be replaced at the end of the season, as he himself confirmed in a recent interview: “If at the end of the season we have not been competitive, I will be forced to leave.”
Back to the Cadena SER report, they explain the reasons why Motta is admired so much by Barcelona’s number one Laporta.
“At just 41 years old, the Bologna coach is giving a lot to talk about in his country, Italy. His idea of the game and his audacious football are highly appreciated by president Laporta, who would bring in another former player who he had in his squad during his previous mandate,” he said.
“In short, Deco, Márquez, Motta… Thiago would contribute to expanding the long list of former footballers who won the Champions League in Paris [in 2006 against Arsenal].
“In the event of a possible separation with Xavi, at this moment, he is the number one candidate also for these reasons.”