New Sampdoria coach Dejan Stankovic discussed the team’s current situation, his relationship with Jose Mourinho and his thoughts on Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The former Inter midfielder took over as head coach of the Ligurian side last week, coming in to replace the dismissed Marco Giampaolo. His first match in charge of the club was a tough 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Bologna, giving him a few lessons to learn after his first game. Sampdoria will face off against Mourinho’s Roma in their next game on Monday.
Speaking in a press conference, Stankovic first discussed Sampdoria’s hopes after his first game in charge.
“We had a day and a half. But I’m not looking for excuses. Let’s restart from the second half, or from the goal against Bologna. It’s that attitude that I like, aggressive, being organised and knowing what we have to do.
“I was talking to a lot of people and many asked me why I came here. I answered them that I’m going to a big club like Sampdoria. I believe in them. We’ve worked very well this week and the guys are ready.
“Together with the management and our fans we can save ourselves. But we need great commitment from everyone.”
He commented on his relationship with Mourinho ahead of the Roma clash.
“I spoke to him on a video call. I have great respect for the person and the coach. When there are ninety minutes everyone will go their own way then they’re friends like before. I learnt a lot from him, on and off the pitch.
“He’s a strong person. We had a wonderful journey together with him. I don’t want to talk about others but every coach has given me something. But because we’re playing against Roma it’s right to talk about José. Ninety minutes we put everything in brackets. Then friends like before.”
The former midfielder commented on how much he learnt from Mourinho at Inter.
“In those two years he changed everything for me. But more. I always gave 100% but he brought out that 20% that I didn’t think I had. Being strong with someone can be counterproductive. You have to get to know the person first.
“I talk to the players. And even the pitch itself says a lot about a person’s character. You have to get close and look for points to crush to wake him up. You have to be positive but also tough.”
Stankovic spoke highly about former Bologna coach Mihajlovic.
“He’s my reference point in life. He’s like a big brother. I also call him dad and he gets angry! His way of not giving up, of facing life has taught me a lot. What he is going through has also taught me a lot.
“I have a lot of love for him. It’s as if we had the same blood. I also wanted to win for him in Bologna, I didn’t succeed, but there will be games I will dedicate to him.”
Finally, Stankovic gave his thoughts on Tottenham loanee Harry Winks and the other new signings.
“He is injured. He’s still out, I haven’t seen him on the pitch. There was a good reaction from the rest of the squad but there is a lot of room for improvement. And I’ll try to get the most out of each of them.
“As time goes by things will become clearer. For now I have had a very good response from everyone. I would also like to say a big thank you to Red Star. It was a beautiful, unforgettable trip.”