Bologna assistant manager Emilio De Leo said they “took inspiration” from Sinisa Mihajlovic for their 3-2 win at Roma. “We decided to play in an open, attacking way.”
The Rossoblu have now won three in a row to temporarily climb into sixth place, with January signing Musa Barrow contributing a brace and assist for Riccardo Orsolini.
Bologna assistant manager Emilio De Leo said they “took inspiration” from Sinisa Mihajlovic for their 3-2 win at Roma. “We decided to play in an open, attacking way.”
The Rossoblu have now won three in a row to temporarily climb into sixth place, with January signing Musa Barrow contributing a brace and assist for Riccardo Orsolini.
“I think the difference was made when we decided to play in an open and attacking way. This is the cultural shift we’ve been trying to enact here, the belief we can play based on our qualities even at the Olimpico against Roma, and it’s paying dividends,” De Leo told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have a mix of young players, but also experienced ones who help the others. The exuberance of the younger players also gives an important contribution, so we’ve got the balance right.”
What did Mihajlovic say in the team meeting after the final whistle, having been released from hospital only this morning for anti-viral treatment in his leukaemia fight?
“After the match, he congratulated the squad, because he had asked us to come here and play with our principles, not to track back, not to go deep, not to be passive or remissive. This is the example he set for us in these months and the team took inspiration.
“As we said even after a run of defeats, we will continue along our path, because we are confident that we are on the right track and have significant margin for improvement.”
De Leo had particular praise for midfielder Jerdy Schouten, who impressed in the absence of Gary Medel, Andrea Poli and Nicola Sansone.
“Schouten has great technique, but has also been showing immense strength of character to play in that role. He tries to help the team hold the ball up, has good vision, tries to seek the various options for the passes. He studies diligently and we are very happy with his progress, both off the field and on it.