While Thiago Motta is expected to take over as new coach, Sinisa Mihajlovic writes a moving open letter to the Bologna fans following his dismissal. ‘I don’t understand why I was sacked, but will always be one of You.’
The club has been roundly criticised for the decision to sack Mihajovic, especially as he spent the summer undergoing treatment for the leukaemia that was originally diagnosed in July 2019.
While Claudio Ranieri had been mentioned as a candidate, former Spezia and Genoa boss Thiago Motta has emerged as the new choice.
He is reportedly discussing personal terms and the staff structure before signing the contract and probably won’t be on the bench for their upcoming Serie A match against Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, Mihajlovic has responded to the outpouring of affection and regret from the Bologna supporters.
The Serbian tactician wrote a lengthy open letter in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is part of the life of a player or a coach to go sooner or later, as sporting eras start, develop, give joy and at times disappointment, then inevitably they finish,” wrote Mihajlovic.
“Nothing is eternal. But this time, the feeling of turning round one last time is a little sadder. Because I say goodbye not just to fans who cared for and supported me for three and a half years of tears of joy and pain, of successes, slip-ups and reboots. I salute brothers and fellow citizens.
“My time in Bologna was not just football, not just sport. It was a union of souls, walking together through a dark tunnel to find the light. I felt your affection for the coach and for the man.
“Your warmth touched me during the most difficult moments. I tried to repay that affection with my total dedication to the jersey, never holding back on the field or in the hospital bed.”
Mihajlovic never stopped working even through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, using video technology to keep in constant touch with his staff and players.
There were moving scenes, such as the squad gathering under his hospital room window to sing his name after their comeback victory.
“I’ve been in Italy for many years and the recent events have made me a little softer, but I remain a tough, brusque and plain-speaking Serbian, so I was not always able to express my sentiments of gratitude. But I responded with my ferocious sense of duty, doing my job as best I could, even in the most dramatic of circumstances. I hope to have achieved that, at least a little bit.
“Could we have done better? Maybe. Did I give my all? Yes, without doubt. This allows me to look everyone in the eye with my head held high and have no regrets.
“If I’ve been able to do this, it is also thanks to you fans and all the city of Bologna. I will never forget your processions to San Luca for me, the encouragement and the emotion when I was named an Honorary Citizen of Bologna.
“I have never been a hypocrite and I won’t be now: I don’t understand why I was sacked. I accept it, as a professional must, but I thought the situation was under control and could be improved. The club did not see it the same way.
“We are only five rounds in, I struggle to think that all this depends only on recent results and isn’t a decision that has been percolating for some time. A pity.
“I do want to point out that my health is now good and constantly improving. I am no longer receiving treatment, just having check-ups. I was at all the training sessions in recent weeks, my only impediment is I can’t be in the sun for too long.
“Anyway, this is not the moment to analyse situations that I did not agree with. It’s time to remember the many unique and unforgettable moments, and to say thank you.
“Thank you to the Bologna fans, the club, the President who allowed me to work here for these three and a half years, the directors who have been through the club during this time, the medical staff, all those who work for Bologna every day with love and passion. To my staff, to my players who never held back, who put up with my criticism and moved me on more than one occasion by showing that they cared for me the way I sincerely did all of them.
“I wish Bologna and its fans the best sporting success. I leave my successor a health group of players, who know how to work hard and I think share the values of this city.
“We’ll see each other soon, on the field. Whatever jersey I wear, I will never be your rival, but always one of You.”
A warrior on and off the field 🫡