Sinisa Mihajlovic says in order for Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”3″>Sampdoria “to stay in heaven, we must beat the devils” when they host Milan in Serie A in Week 11.
The Blucerchiati recovered from their first League defeat of the season to Inter by defeating Fiorentina 3-1 last weekend.
Sinisa Mihajlovic says in order for Sampdoria “to stay in heaven, we must beat the devils” when they host Milan in Serie A in Week 11.
The Blucerchiati recovered from their first League defeat of the season to Inter by defeating Fiorentina 3-1 last weekend.
In build-up to hosting the Diavoli this weekend, their Coach has made clear the challenge that lies ahead.
“If we want to stay in heaven, we must beat the devils,” Mihajlovic offered to reporters in his Press conference today.
“If it’s true that the tests never end, then tomorrow is one of the hardest.
“If I know a Pippo [Inzaghi] a little, then I know that he’ll try to convey his anger to the team. Our third place has not happened by miracle, it’s the fruit of our sacrifices and strength, but we're still hungry.
“I want to win tomorrow, I don’t want to be boastful because I have much respect for Milan, but they also have their weaknesses.
“We’ll be humble and courageous, and we'll show our character on the pitch.
“Milan are a well-equipped side. Perhaps on paper, they are stronger than us, but we have already shown that if we play like we know how to, we can make it difficult for anyone.”
Mihajlovic has been dealing with a number of absentees in his squad.
“I hope that having so many players unavailable doesn’t happen to me again, but [against Fiorentina] it was positive, given we had so little time to prepare and were forced into changes.
“Although I don’t like to play three at the back, the guys were great. I asked them not to make excuses, and I think we passed the exam and deserved to win. This team are making great progress.
“Many thought that what we did last year was great, but this year we can do even better. This year we are third, but no-one has given us anything, perhaps we could have some more points.
“Tomorrow, we’ll meet one of the strongest attacks with one of the strongest defences in the League. We'll see if we can put them in difficulty.”
Gian Piero Gasperini said earlier this week that he is targeting his Genoa team surpassing Sampdoria in the League standings, but his Serb counterpart has refused to read too much into that discourse.
“I congratulate Genoa and Gasperini, but, like them, we will do everything to stay ahead – even if we don’t base our season against Genoa – like they will with us. We aim higher,” Mihaljovic added.
“I’ve also realised that those from Genoa often talk about us. I understand them, because you should always aim to exceed those in front of you.”
Miha was asked if tomorrow’s game highlighted the disparity between the clubs from the cities of Genoa and Milan this season.
“On the pitch, and the most organised and hungry team wins, not necessarily the team with the best players.
“I don’t know if Genoa can compete with Milan, but for now, the pitch tells us that we’re stronger. We’ll find out at the end of the season.”
On the topic of his squad, Mihajlovic noted: “Gastaldello has recovered, and today we’ll have another workout. We'll see if Silvestre and Romagnoli can recover in time. Palombo is banned.
“Between Rizzo and Duncan, I’ve yet to pick a favourite. I’ll see them in training today and tomorrow and make a decision [based on that].
“Okaka hasn’t scored much? Our three attackers sacrifice themselves so much, so they may not be so lucid when in front of goal. We're working on that.”