Ahead of AC Milan’s clash against Bologna, Thiago Motta has offered his thoughts on the events in Udine and the future of one of the Rossoneri’s biggest targets.
Motta’s work at Bologna has gained him several merits. As a result, with Stefano Pioli’s future to be decided, there is the potential that he could replace the current Milan manager next season.
He has been linked with a switch from Rossoblu to Rossoneri extensively, and with his contract set to expire in the summer, the links will only grow as we get closer to the end of his contract.
A large point of focus in his team has been Joshua Zirkzee, another of Milan’s targets, with reports suggesting that the Diavolo will use this weekend’s fixture to evaluate the trio of Zirkzee, Motta and Lewis Ferguson. However, it is hoped that none of them come away from the game with a good result.
In Motta’s pre-match press conference, he spoke about several topics, and his words have been relayed by Calciomercato.com.
How is preparation?
“We are doing well and preparing well, as always. We will try to do well against an important opponent.”
Will Karlsson and Saelemaekers play?
“Alexis is better because he comes from a shorter stop, Karlsson on the other hand comes from a longer injury period: it’s also up to us to help him find his best form.
The first fixture against Milan…
Of all the games played, the first match with AC Milan is one of the few in which I didn’t have the feeling I could win. It’s one of the teams that are candidates for the Scudetto, it always starts very strongly… On Saturday we will have to try to impose our game, trying to be determined about what we play”.
Can Bologna continue their form from the first half of the season?
“The important thing is to think about the present: everything else is not under our control, but we can concentrate on our preparation and our daily work. What gives me great satisfaction so far is that, except against Milan, we have shown that we can compete against all opponents. When we get to the end of the season we will see where we are.”
Thoughts on Maignan…
“I didn’t hear him, but I saw everything that happened. I think he did the right thing at the time and I hope that, for the good of our club, we can move forward quickly on this issue. I hope that those who attacked Mike will pay for their choices bitterly. I have a lot of respect for him.”
How difficult will it be to keep Zirkzee?
“His future will be seen. Zirkzee is one of those who always trains well, who drags the others along and who can also show the new ones what it means to play for Bologna today.
“He has a great future ahead of him, but the most important thing is to think about our present, which is AC Milan, a match that must be played to the full out of respect for the Bologna shirt’.”
did he just admit with the last sentence that Joshua is going to Milan?