Lille make former Juventus & Bologna coach Thiago Motta top target

TL;DR

Lille has made Thiago Motta their top target for head coach as uncertainty surrounds Bruno Génésio's future. Motta, a former coach at Juventus and Bologna, has a strong relationship with Lille's president Olivier Létang.

Key points

Lille identifies Thiago Motta as top coaching target
Bruno Génésio's contract expires in June
Létang is focusing on hiring a foreign coach
Motta has a strong relationship with Lille's president
Motta's staff has strong French connections

Mentioned in this story

LilleJuventusBolognaThiago MottaParis Saint-Germain

Lille make former Juventus & Bologna coach Thiago Motta top target

Lille have identified Thiago Motta as their priority coaching target as uncertainty grows over the future of current head coach Bruno Génésio, whose contract expires in June and whose renewal talks have yet to make any meaningful progress.

According to FootMercato, Lille president Olivier Létang is already working actively on potential successors and is focusing on a foreign coach.

Motta tops his list, with Létang understood to have maintained a strong relationship with the Italian-Brazilian coach dating back to their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Motta’s staff also has strong French connections, with assistants Alexandre Hugeux, Simon Colinet and Alfred Dossou-Yovo all part of his setup.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Head coach Thiago Motta of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Q&A

Why is Lille considering Thiago Motta as their head coach?

Lille is considering Thiago Motta due to uncertainty over current coach Bruno Génésio's future, as his contract expires in June and renewal talks have stalled.

What is the relationship between Lille's president and Thiago Motta?

Lille president Olivier Létang has a strong relationship with Thiago Motta, dating back to their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.

Who are Thiago Motta's assistants at Lille?

Thiago Motta's staff includes assistants Alexandre Hugeux, Simon Colinet, and Alfred Dossou-Yovo, all of whom have strong connections to French football.