Sinisa Mihajlovic has hailed Massimo Moratti for acting like a ‘father’ at Inter, whilst he urges Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”5″>Sampdoria to focus ahead of facing Roma.
Sinisa Mihajlovic has hailed Massimo Moratti for acting like a ‘father’ at Inter, whilst he urges Sampdoria to focus ahead of facing Roma.
The Serbian represented the Nerazzurri in the final two years of his playing career from 2004 to 2006, before stepping up to the role of assistant Coach at the Giuseppe Meazza.
In the wake of honorary President Moratti’s resignation, the 45-year-old has paid tribute.
“I’m sorry [about Moratti]. I spent four wonderful years there,” Mihajlovic considered in his Press conference today.
“For us, he was like a father, a gentleman and the one who paid attention to everything, and I felt an affiliation with him. He will have left for the right reasons.”
Miha’s current side Sampdoria remain unbeaten in Serie A but face their toughest challenge to date against Roma on Saturday.
The Coach has insisted that his side must not be fooled by the Giallorossi’s recent 7-1 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
“Tomorrow will be a contest between two angry teams. We missed a great opportunity against Cagliari, but from the point of view of our character, Samp have made great progress, we must not leave anything on the pitch.
“We have to be right in the mind and then in the legs, and we can’t make mistakes. The Giallorossi are a difficult team to deal with, and we can’t think that they’re in trouble because of Bayern.
“They are a monstrous team and won’t repeat those mistakes again.
“Every game is a story in itself. During the first 70 minutes, Bayern did not miss a step. It certainly made us realise that Rome can concede goals in a different way when they were behind.
“But in Italy, it’s unlikely because they always have the ball.
“Roma have some great champions and maybe play the best football [in Italy]. If we think about losing, then we have already lost.
“I give you a quote from Ugo Tognazzi: ‘An optimistic man, who is penniless, order oysters in the hopes to pay for them with the pearls inside’. We hope to find many pearls tomorrow.
“We prepare for every match the same way. Perhaps, it’s easier to prepare for games against stronger teams. I think the guys know what dangers to expect [against Roma], but we also know how to cause [them] problems.”
Mihajlovic then reflected on the Blucerchiati’s lack of goals, their injury situation and Sergio Romero’s belated chance to impress between the sticks.
“When you see a team that don’t create chances, you have to worry. When you create chances, you can worry less,” he added.
“I’d be even happier if we scored five goals [than just one], but we will try to win because I am an optimist. I know it will be difficult.
“Gastaldello is a strong lad, but what can you do about a fever? He comes from a part of Italy where the people are strong. We stopped Silvestre in training as a precaution, but he will be available.
“I always see [Sergio] and he behaves and trains well.”