Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti paid tribute to Sinisa Mihajlovic and hopes he’ll be watching games next to Diego Armando Maradona in Heaven. ‘He detested masking feelings or thoughts as a player, coach or during his illness.’
Mihajlovic passed away on Friday at the age of 53, having been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia in July 2019.
The former Bologna, Milan, Torino, Sampdoria and Catania boss spent practically his entire career in Italy, first as a player and then a coach.
“It is such a sad moment, as Sinisa was always a fair opponent,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“Every time I saw him, as a player or a coach, he gave you the great advantage of immediately letting you know in clear and transparent fashion what he thought about the people or circumstances he was dealing with.
“He detested masking feelings and never wanted to put up a mask as a player or a coach, even more so during his illness. He taught us all never to let your head drop during difficulties, on the field or off.
“Everyone who crossed his path emerged stronger in their own character, because he knew how to pass on that strength of character.”
Spalletti was the coach of Sampdoria when Mihajlovic scored the legendary and to this day unique hat-trick of Serie A free kicks for Lazio.
“Every time he stepped up for a free kick, I would go hide behind the bench, because his precision and power on them were just impossible.
“I remember the last time we met at Bologna, we walked out together and he expressed his fondness for my team, the city of Naples and our chances of challenging for top targets.
“It will be great for us to have his support, probably watching the games sat next to Maradona up there.”
Very shocking, I really love sinisa,his determination and character. Rest on boss