Sinisa Mihajlovic did not let leukaemia stop him from leading Bologna for over three years, being a determined and positive figure in the dug-out.
The Serbian coach returned to the Rossoblu in January 2019, taking over from the dismissed Filippo Inzaghi, and he was charged with ensuring the club’s safety in Serie A after a poor start. He picked up 30 points from 17 matches and was handed a long-term contract, giving him a second chance to shine in the Emilia-Romagna capital.
Mihajlovic left the Serie A world speechless on July 13 2019, when he publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with an acute form of leukaemia. Bologna confirmed that they’d be sticking by the former defender despite his illness.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: “I had some tests where some abnormalities were discovered. I have leukaemia. I spent the night crying and even now I have tears, but they are not of fear.
“I will go to the hospital from Tuesday and I can’t wait to start fighting to get well. I explained to my players that I will fight to win as I taught them to do on the pitch.”
He received an outpouring of support from his fellow football professionals and fans alike. He began a cycle of chemotherapy at the Sant’Orsola hospital in Bologna and just 44 days after his announcement, he returned to the dugout, taking to the bench for the Rossoblu’s first game of the season against Hellas Verona.
After a 4-3 comeback win over Brescia in September 2019, striker Rodrigo Palacio underlined how the squad were fighting for their coach, saying: “It was important, he believed in the win.” A few days later, the first team squad visited the Serbian in hospital.
Mihajlovic underwent a bone marrow transplant that year and announced in November that it had gone well, although he made it clear that he’d still have to avoid crowded places due to his fragile immune system.
Discussing his situation in a press conference, he said: “I was afraid, and I still am. I have to resume everything gradually. I know that the more time passes the more I will regain my strength. I take nineteen tablets a day with the goal of getting out of the hospital.”
Things started to look up for Mihajlovic and he announced in November 2020 that his disease was in remission, stating: “The disease seems to have reached a remission phase, I do check-ups every three months, the last one on October 29 one year after the transplant and it was perfect.”
In March 2022, the Serbian coach gave an announcement that no-one wanted to hear, revealing that he’d have to undergo another round of chemotherapy as a preventative measure. He was more resolute when discussing this, highlighting his increased strength following his recent experiences.
Speaking in a press conference, he stated: “In order to prevent the leukaemia from recurring, I have been advised to embark on a course of treatment. I will be hospitalized at Sant’Orsola in Bologna but this time I am more serene, unlike two and a half years ago, when I could hardly hold back my tears.
“I know what I have to do, the situation is different, and I hope the timeframe is short. I will do everything to make them even faster, but I will definitely have to miss some games.”
Bologna played with assistant coach Miroslav Tanjga at the helm and they secured an impressive win over Inter in April 2022. The following day, the first team squad visited Mihajlovic at hospital to celebrate the win and dedicate it to their coach, signing ‘Sinisa is on fire’, leaving the former defender emotional.
After a few weeks away, Mihajlovic returned to his post and saw out the season with the Rossoblu. Unfortunately for him, the 2022-23 season did not start well and he was dismissed in September.
Mihajlovic’s last public appearance came in early December, when he attended the launch of Zdenek Zeman’s autobiography. His last words at the event were: “Before him we played not to lose, he left an unforgettable mark on football.”