Attilio Lombardo says Sinisa Mihajlovic is no surprise at Sampdoria, but warns that it is perhaps too early to be looking to the Europa League.
Attilio Lombardo says Sinisa Mihajlovic is no surprise at Sampdoria, but warns that it is perhaps too early to be looking to the Europa League.
The Blucerchiati are sitting third in the Serie A standings with two games of Week 5 still to play, having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season.
Sitting in sharp contrast to last term’s start to the campaign, for one of the club’s legends, the fact it has come under his former teammate Mihajlovic should not be a surprise.
“Mihajlovic is not a surprise, having already done well last year, when he took over a team in a bad way in the standings,” Lombardo has told Calciomercato.com today.
“He has demonstrated his qualities as a Coach but also as a man, bringing continuity to their results.
“Can Sampdoria challenge for European football? I think it is still too early to define the hierarchy in the title fight, despite the early pace set by Juventus and Roma, and this also applies to the Europa League.
“Sampdoria are a team discreetly equipped and the Coach has always said that the intention is to do well and finish on the left-hand side of the table [top 10].
“If they were to get into the European positions, it would be all the better.”
Lombardo also had positive words for the club’s new President Massimo Ferrero.
“The President has really conquered everything with the Blucerchiati. I had the pleasure of meeting him at Sampdoria-Chievo and I have to say that he is a character who is able to convey confidence.
“Sampdoria are not used to an outgoing President like this, but his passion is good because he is able to transmit it to the whole environment.”