MIHAJLOVIC: "PLAY WITH INTENSITY"
The coach Sinisa Mihajlovic faced the press before Tuesday’s match with Udinese.
Opening comments from the coach: "Taking points from matches is always important. But I also feel it’s easier to collect points through good performances. In our past 2 matches we have tried to adopt that approach and I think it went reasonably well. We know we have areas to work on and we need to avoid some of the mistakes that we made in the last match versus Palermo. Having said that, I think we’re on the right track. Unfortunately we go into the match with Udinese short on numbers and I will have to make changes to the team. I will however try and keep the core of the side that played in the previous two matches. The other changes will be ones that I’m forced into. I don’t know if I will start with Mario Balotelli. Tomorrow I will talk with the players and I will choose the best team to send out for the match. Up until now, Mario has conducted himself exceptionally on and off the pitch."
The coach continued: "I expect more from every player because they all have the qualities to do better. I try and get the very best out of each and every one of them. Calabria’s performance didn’t surprise me. He has always done well in every match in which he has featured. If he continues to work hard, he will have a great career ahead of him."
On what Mihajlovic wants from the team: "We have conceded in every official match this season and the objective tomorrow, and in the matches that follow, is to keep a clean sheet. All of the team have to play their part in attack and in defence. We know where we need to improve and the things we have to keep doing. We’re playing away from home tomorrow and we will need to play with great intensity, courage and character just like we have done in the past 2 matches."
The Milan tactician has respect for his opposite number: "I think that Colantuono is an excellent coach and Udinese have the kind of players that can make life hard for us. Zapata and Romagnoli have played well. Ely remains an important player, but after his sending off versus Fiorentina, others have come in and performed well. It’s normal for a young player to make more mistakes than an experienced one and that his displays won’t be as consistent, but he has the potential to become a great player."
Mihajlovic is setting the highest of standards: "I want a strong performance from the team tomorrow and the 3 points, as well as a clean sheet. We’re a bit short on numbers for the match because of the injuries, but for the way the players have been training, they all deserve to play. We won’t go looking for excuses though and we will remain positive. I am an optimist because in every situation I always see an opportunity and never a problem. For the next match with Genoa I think we will have Bertolacci and Kucka back. There are still some doubts over Antonelli."
Closing comments: "I expected Bonaventura to play like he has been doing. He has proved what I already thought of him. Since the derby, we are a different team and all the credit goes to the players who have made improvements with their mental approach. It’s hard to form opinions after just 4 rounds, but we cannot let Inter open up too much of a gap at the front. Jose Mauri is available. Our fans are demanding and we have to be an ambitious side. The fans appreciate good performances. When they jeer, at times they are right, but that all belongs to the past and our objective is to develop and improve."
(Photo LaPresse)
