Thiago Motta update on Zirkzee and hails Bologna ‘collective’

Thiago Motta gives an injury update on Joshua Zirkzee and hails the importance of the ‘collective’ as Bologna beat Napoli 2-0 to practically secure a Champions League spot.

The Rossoblu could well mathematically guarantee their place in the top five tomorrow, as if Roma fail to beat Atalanta in Bergamo, then they will be unable to surpass their rivals.

This is because Bologna have a superior head-to-head record with the Giallorossi.

They have 67 points, only doing better calculating three points for a win when winning the Scudetto in 1963-64 on 70.

“More than talk about the Champions League, my joy is seeing the squad play like this. I don’t calculate how many points we need and who can catch us. I put all my energy into enjoying this moment along with these fantastic lads,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“I am happy for our fans who follow the team and they too are enjoying this wonderful period, but they support us even during the tough times. I am happy for them.

“In order to aim for the top spots, you need to have great performances away from home and our fans are always behind us in every arena.”

Thiago Motta picks pay off

It was the perfect start at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as within 12 minutes they were leading 2-0 thanks to Dan Ndoye and Stefan Posch goals, then Federico Ravaglia saved the Matteo Politano penalty.

This too was confirmation of the coach’s intelligence, as Ravaglia is often second choice goalkeeper to Lukasz Skorupski.

“I pick my team based on what I see during the week and without doubt these 11 deserved to start today. Once again, it was a good performance and above all a great victory away from home against a strong opponent,” continued Thiago Motta.

“I was so glad to see Skorupski celebrate at the final whistle, as even when he doesn’t play, he is the first to take responsibility even for defeats. Everyone in the squad deserves to play all the time, but it is not possible, so the collective has to come first.”

There was a setback when Zirkzee limped off in the second half and seemed to be in tears.

“We need to evaluate him, he felt a twinge in the left flexor.”

Even if Bologna go into the Champions League, there is no guarantee that Thiago Motta will be on the bench, as his contract expires on June 30 and multiple reports suggest he has a verbal agreement with Juventus.