Sinisa Mihajlovic shrugged off sack speculation as Milan reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals and “did well” to sell Luiz Adriano.
Carlos Bacca and M’Baye Niang scored early goals, but Matteo Mancosu kept the tie on edge until the end as they beat Carpi 2-1.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the lads strongly wanted this qualification,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
Sinisa Mihajlovic shrugged off sack speculation as Milan reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals and “did well” to sell Luiz Adriano.
Carlos Bacca and M’Baye Niang scored early goals, but Matteo Mancosu kept the tie on edge until the end as they beat Carpi 2-1.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the lads strongly wanted this qualification,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“We created a great deal in the first half and deserved to score more than two goals. We made life difficult for ourselves in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, then got back to playing our game. I think it was a deserved victory.
“We should’ve finished it off earlier and not conceded that goal on the counter, but we did have the chances to score a third.
“Over the last three games we deserved wins, but only got two draws, despite creating a great deal. We can’t just say it’s bad luck, because if we consistently don’t convert our chances, then that is also our fault. We lack determination in front of goal.”
Bacca scored with a rabona finish, having famously infuriated the Coach when he attempted and failed it against Palermo earlier this season.
“He scored and was right. He has risky moves in his blood. If every time he tries it there’s a goal, then he can do it several times per game,” smiled Mihajlovic.
There were reports the tactician would be sacked if he did not win this evening’s Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“People have been saying the same thing for three months and I expect will continue saying it to the end of the season. I am not interested, I always give my all and am not worried about such matters. I’ve been through worse in life.
“I go forward with my head held high, as I always have done. I am just sorry for my players, because I have faith in their work. People can write what they like about me.”
Luiz Adriano has agreed a transfer to Jiangsu Suning FC in China and Mihajlovic confirmed the fee.
“We found out two days ago and yesterday everything was sorted out. The club did well, as they signed him for €7-8m and sold him for €14-15m.
“It’s true we are a striker down, but I am convinced this squad when complete can fight for third place. Mario Balotelli has recovered, in a while we’ll have Jeremy Menez back, while there are Bacca and Niang.”