MIHAJLOVIC CALLS FOR CONSISTENCY
Sinisa Mihajlovic held a press conference at Milanello ahead of Saturday’s round 14 Serie A TIM match with Sampdoria.
"We changed a few things after the Napoli game and we have started to average 2 points per match. I am sure we will be able to maintain that in the coming matches. We have all the qualities to keep that average up until the end of the first part of the season. We made a slow start to the season, but most of the head to heads, with the exception of the Napoli match, were away from home. With this in mind, I think in the second part of the season there is reason to believe that we can do better. Sampdoria? They are a tough side to face. From the midfield up, they have players that can decide a match in any moment. They will make it hard for us. I can’t say yet whether there are any differences between Zenga’s Sampdoria or Montella’s Sampdoria. It’s too early. Each coach has his own ideas. Sampdoria for me was an import club, both as a player and as a coach, I wish all the best to Montella and my former President."
The coach continued and gave an update on Bertolacci and Balotelli: "We know it will be hard versus Samp, but I am certain we will come away with the win and we might play with a 4-4-2 tomorrow. Bertolacci was a big investment but we haven’t had him available much because of injuries. Balotelli is another key player that has been out too. I hope I can have Balo back before Christmas. He, like Bertolacci, is a player that gives us other options in attack. Regardless of the formation, we always field 4 or 5 attacking players. At times, we’ve been able to get the best out of our attacking potential and at times not, but we should always adopt an attacking approach."
Mihajlovic is looking to the long term and defende his team when questioned on their character: "There have been changes to the playing squad this year, the formation and the way in which we work. We will assess the situation at the end of the season and then we will see where we are in the league table. I always hope we don’t concede first in matches, and sooner or later, we will be able to come back from behind. But if we haven’t been able to achieve that, it doesn’t mean the team doesn’t have character. In the derby for example, we went a goal down and reacted well but were unable to find an equaliser. The same applies for the match away at Genoa. We have to be consistent with our results and performances. Looking ahead, we have matches that on paper at least give us a good chance to climb the league table. If we play like we know how, we can do well. I am confident that we can maintain our 2 points per match average."
(Photo LaPresse)
