MIHAJLOVIC: "AN IMPORTANT WIN"
This is what Sinisa Mihajlovic said following the 1-0 victory over Chievo at the San Siro:
"We did well in the second-half and we had lots of shots on goal. We weren’t always very accurate with our efforts, but the players had a crack. Chievo only had one shot on target and it was important to win tonight’s match. We defended well in the first half while in the second we did well both in attack and in defence. We have collected 7 important points and we have improved the situation in the league table. It is a confidence boost, but now we have Lazio and Atalanta and we need to try and pick up maximum points. It’s a positive night as we won without conceding. Since changing formation, we are more compact. We have given away just three shots in three games. We give away less chances, we’re solid and the players are happier. As soon as we have the other forwards available again, we will change our formation. We will see what happens".
"Romagnoli played well with Alex and the team is more balanced. Bertolacci can and must do better. I have only had two forwards available from 5. I have to keep one on the bench. One plays, and the other goes on the bench. Bacca plays because he is our leading goal-scorer and Luiz Adriano meanwhile always shows what he can do. When we have the other forwards back from injury, we will have more options available. Niang isn’t ready, but he will go on the bench against Lazio. He has only recently returned to full training. Even if he were to play, it would only be for 10-15 minutes. Bertolacci can play as a wide midfielder or in a central role in a 4-4-2. Just like Kucka, De Jong, Montolivo, Mauri, Poli. They are all versatile players that can play in a 2 or 3 man midfield".
"Chievo are an excellent side. This season they have made it hard for everyone. They are very organised and they battle hard. Today they didn’t do as much, and perhaps the credit for that is ours. However they are having a good season. I am the coach and I am paid to make the choices and I take the responsibility. We had difficulties with the 4-3-1-2 formation while with the 4-3-3 we’re playing better and we get the best out of players like Cerci. I’ve known him for a long time and he can do even better. The lads are training well and I knew the results would come. Let’s get ready for the next two matches and try and recover a couple of important players."
(Photo LaPresse)
