‘Milan, go get Motta’ – Capello and Sacchi explain why he is the perfect fit

Fabio Capello and Arrigo Sacchi are two legendary coaches in the history of AC Milan, and they unite in agreement over who should be the next man in charge.

This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport has a double-page spread titled: ‘Milan, choose Motta’. As you might have guessed, both Capello and Sacchi believes that Thiago Motta is the right man for the Rossoneri to go all-in on to build a new era of success.

Capello’s view

Capello immediately identifies a common thread in the role played by the Bologna coach on the pitch: “He is a former midfielder. Make a list of the best coaches in the world, in the group you will find Guardiola, Conte, Xabi Alonso, Ancelotti, Arteta, Allegri, Xavi. They have something in common, don’t they?”

The other plus point? “With him there is the right balance between the defensive and attacking phases. Motta builds from the bottom, as they say now, but not in an exaggerated way. Think of football that leads to results, but in the right way.”

Sacchi’s seal of approval

Even for Arrigo Sacchi, Thiago Motta’s previous life makes the difference: “He was an excellent midfielder, with a high head and clear ideas. And then he had important experiences in big clubs.

“Look, coaching in Bologna is no joke. If you are bad they don’t challenge you, but they laugh at you, which is even worse.”

For the former national team coach, personality counts: “Like Gasperini, he is someone who gives a lot to football. In terms of commitment, courage, ideas. He has ideas, which are the most important thing in a coach’s baggage.

“Because players can be signed for you or not, but the ideas are yours alone and you just need to pass them on to the kids to get what you want.”

The closing summary of the advice to the Rossoneri in three adjectives: “Why take him? He is modern, European and a visionary.”