Sinisa Mihajlovic believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic “would’ve had more fun” at Bologna than Milan, while he analyses Inter, Juventus and Lazio.
The Swede was a free agent after his contract with the LA Galaxy expired and had several offers, but in the end opted for a return to San Siro.
“It is disappointing, because I think he’d have had more fun here,” Bologna coach Mihajlovic told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
Sinisa Mihajlovic believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic “would’ve had more fun” at Bologna than Milan, while he analyses Inter, Juventus and Lazio.
The Swede was a free agent after his contract with the LA Galaxy expired and had several offers, but in the end opted for a return to San Siro.
“It is disappointing, because I think he’d have had more fun here,” Bologna coach Mihajlovic told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
“It would’ve been good for him, for the city and the club, with the team playing to help set him up for goals. I have no complaints, because he had said that if he’d chosen Bologna, it would’ve been for me. I realise there are other factors at stake, including family commitments.
“Ibra did call me before making his decision, so he kept his word and remains a dear friend. It just means I’ll have to beat him on the pitch now…”
Bologna are currently above Milan in the Serie A table, on 22 points to 21, sitting in ninth place.
“Our objective is to improve on the 10th-place finish we had last season. Dreaming of Europe depends on the January transfer strategy, not just for us, but what the other clubs do as well.
“I didn’t understand Milan’s strategy, as they dumped Marco Giampaolo too quickly and I always considered him a fine coach. I advised Sampdoria to get him after I left. Stefano Pioli is capable, but Milan’s real problem is that their name is Milan. The past weighs heavily on a present that has to be rebuilt entirely.”
Inter are joint Serie A leaders with Juventus on 42 points, while another of Mihajlovic’s old clubs Lazio beat Juve to win the Supercoppa Italiana.
“I was convinced Antonio Conte would trouble Juve, but I didn’t think it’d be this much. He is getting 120 per cent out of his men, but I still consider Juventus to be a stronger team. Conte needs January reinforcements to keep this going.
“Juve still need to find their balance, as right now it isn’t Max Allegri’s team and not yet Maurizio Sarri’s either. Sarri is a top quality coach, but he needs time and only Miralem Pjanic is really suited to his ideas in midfield.
“Lazio are making enormous progress and I’m very happy for them. Simone Inzaghi is the best coach of the new generation in Italy. It’s their best period with nine wins in a row, so they’d have to keep that intensity to go for the Scudetto. It’s difficult, but not impossible.”