Mihajlovic announces new cycle of cancer treatment

Sinisa Mihajlovic has announced that he’ll be returning to hospital to undergo a new round of treatment for leukaemia. ‘This disease is very brave to come back and face someone like me.’

The Bologna coach revealed back in July 2019 that he’d been diagnosed with an acute form of leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow. He later underwent a bone marrow transplant following three rounds of chemotherapy and made a full recovery.

Speaking in a press conference today, Mihajlovic revealed that he’ll be returning to hospital in order to undergo a new treatment cycle for the illness.

“I have been advised to embark on a course of therapy that can nip the illness in the bud. I’m not going to slide in like I did two and a half years ago on a flying opponent, but I’ll get a head start so that it doesn’t go off.

“You can see that this disease is very brave to come back to face someone like me. I’m here, if the first lesson wasn’t enough I’ll give it another one. This is the path of life, made of ups and downs, there are also holes where you can fall, but you must always find the strength to get back up.

“At the beginning of next week I’ll have to take some time off and I’ll be admitted to Sant’Orsola. I know I’m in good hands. Unlike two and a half years ago, I’m calmer. I know what I have to do and the situation is different, I hope it’ll be quick.

“I’ll do everything I can to make it even quicker, but I’ll have to miss a few games. I’ve already had everything I need to follow the training sessions and matches set up in the room in the ward that will house me.

“I’m sure the lads won’t let me down, I’ll fight with them and I’m sure they’ll fight for me. I also ask the Bologna fans to support them and help them. I’ll be back soon with the team and with all of you.”

The 53-year-old Mihajlovic has been Bologna’s coach since January 2019 and despite his off-pitch difficulties the team have still looked strong over the last three years.

Bologna currently sit 12th in the Serie A table and their next opponents are Milan on April 4, Sampdoria on April 11 and Juventus on April 16. It’s likely that assistant coach Miroslav Tanjga will oversee these games whilst Mihajlovic recovers.

You will get through this, Coach ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/TYIcbFdF3k

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) March 26, 2022