Liverpool and FSG have undergone significant changes in their backroom setup recently, spurred by the surprising announcement of Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield this summer.
Michael Edwards has been appointed as the new CEO of Football by FSG, who has subsequently secured Richard Hughes as Liverpool’s new sporting director, effective this summer. The most noticeable change for fans will be in the Liverpool dugout, as the search for Klopp’s successor continues.
Although Xabi Alonso considered a top choice for Liverpool, has announced his intention to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for the foreseeable future.
As a result, the Reds have shifted their focus to candidates such as Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi. However, a fresh name has emerged in the Liverpool managerial rumour mill, one recently praised by Fabio Capello.
Who’s is the New Manager on Liverpool List?
Thiago Motta is the name in question, a young manager who has undeniably made a significant impact at Bologna this season.
According to Dean Jones speaking to GiveMeSport, the 41-year-old has caught the attention of Liverpool, though he’s considered somewhat of an outsider in comparison to figures like Amorim.
“Outside of the two main candidates, he has a very interesting football philosophy that is intriguing to many at Liverpool,” said Jones. “Bologna play with a fluidity that is very rare.
“One thing that is important to Liverpool is that they have a football philosophy to follow but also that they play in a way that suits the squad and means they keep evolving.
“It’s important to stress that Motta is an outsider at this moment in time but that he is interesting to them.”
Who is Thiago Motta?
Motta had a successful playing career, securing numerous titles, including two Champions Leagues, with esteemed clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
His coaching journey commenced with PSG’s Under-19s, followed by his acquisition of the UEFA Pro Licence in September 2020. Subsequently, he assumed the managerial role at Genoa in October of the same year.
Despite facing challenges during his tenure with the Grifone, Motta experienced a resurgence at Spezia, where he assumed the managerial position in July 2021. Under his guidance, the struggling club managed to evade relegation during the 2021/22 season.
In September 2022, the 41-year-old transitioned to Bologna, where he propelled the team to a commendable ninth-placed finish in his debut season. His strategic groundwork laid the framework for an impressive 2023/24 campaign.
Currently, Bologna hold the fourth position in Serie A, maintaining a five-point lead over fifth-placed Roma with eight matches remaining. This places them on the brink of securing Champions League qualification.
Foot Italia recently characterized Motta’s tactical approach as ‘fluid and free-flowing’, attributing to his teams’ display of creativity and vitality on the field.
Capello praised Motta for his ‘Spanish influence,’ a trait he sees in many top coaches today, including Klopp.
He wrote in Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this year: “The ball possession is not sterile but is used to go forward. Bologna players are not controlled as they were in a video game.
“Thiago Motta wants his players to have courage in all areas of the pitch and they take responsibility. It’s exactly what he used to do when he was in the middle of the boxing ring.
“Being a former midfielder does not guarantee success, but it often helps. Think about Pep Guardiola or Xabi Alonso.
“Thiago grew up at Barcelona, and the Spanish influence is evident in his playing style. The La Liga influence is dominant everywhere except here.
The former England manager continued: “Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) is followed by Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) and Unai Emery (Aston Villa) in the Premier League.
“In Germany, Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen) is the runaway leader. In France, there is Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain), while Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) is ahead of everyone else in Spain.
“Motta was coached by Ancelotti, but also Mourinho (Inter) and Gasperini (Genoa). He has taken something from all his teachers and re-elaborated it.
“From Ancelotti’s philosophy to Gasp’s desire to dominate. And his management is reminiscent of Mourinho.”
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