Sinisa Mihajlovic admits Torino have a striker crisis, but has faith in Joe Hart. “If Pep Guardiola has anyone else he’d like to hand over…”
The England goalkeeper is expected to make his Serie A debut against Atalanta on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I want to thank the club for the efforts made during the summer transfer session,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Sinisa Mihajlovic admits Torino have a striker crisis, but has faith in Joe Hart. “If Pep Guardiola has anyone else he’d like to hand over…”
The England goalkeeper is expected to make his Serie A debut against Atalanta on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I want to thank the club for the efforts made during the summer transfer session,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“I know they did everything to make me happy and the squad is certainly good. We might have few alternatives in some roles, but have to overcome this by staying united like a fist. We’ve got to hold that position for the whole year and in every game.
“It’s a good mix of experienced players of quality and promising youth with a bright future ahead of them. We’ll be fighting it out with other teams for a place in Europe, though of course it would help if we didn’t have lots of players injured in the same area at the same time.”
Adem Ljajic and Andrea Belotti are out of action, while both Josef Martinez and Maxi Lopez will need last-minute fitness tests.
“We’ll go to Bergamo to fight and give our all. I am sure whoever steps on to the field will give 100 per cent. We must always play to win, even if we’re aware that at times we can lose. It’s about having the right balance and starting from a solid foundation.”
Hart is expected to make his debut in goal after the surprise loan move from Manchester City.
“He’s a great opportunity for us and we grabbed him. He is the number one choice for England with experience, character and grit.
“He’s very determined and I spoke to him before the signature to ensure he was fired up. I am very happy with Hart and he’s already formed a good rapport with the other lads, communicating in Italian. I am pleased.
“I spoke to Hart because I wanted to understand what mentality he had coming here. Even on the phone he made a good impression. He speaks a little Italian, is learning those 30-40-50 words that you need on the pitch to lead the defence and he’s already using them in training.
“Of course I hope he’s learning them properly and won’t tell the defenders to do the opposite of what he wants…” smiled Mihajlovic.
“The English have a different mentality, they give everything in every single training session. It’s not like in Italy, when you need to talk to them to get the right attitude.
“Guardiola says Hart isn’t the best with his feet, but from what I’ve seen he’s got decent feet. If Guardiola wants someone like Guardiola in goal, then that’s going to be tricky…
“If Guardiola has any other players he’d like to hand over, then we’ll gladly take a look. We are happy Hart is here and are convinced this is the right team and city for him. Now it’s up to Hart to prove himself.”