MILAN – Sinisa Mihajlovic held his pre-game press conference at Milanello on Sunday afternoon.
Opening comments: “If the table were to be calculated on our results since the last meeting with Napoli, we would be in third place. There has been consistency in our results and we have been doing well. It’s an important match tomorrow, and like I have said, the second half of the season has to be one in which we turn the situation around. Napoli will be determined because a win will take them above Juventus and top of the table again. Napoli are a strong side and deserve to be respected, but if we play like we know how, we can make life hard for them. I don’t think Sarri will be looking forward to facing us either. Napoli have always been a top side. The opinions don’t change because of their past two defeats. It will be equally as hard for them as for us. These matches are easier to prepare for than ones against mid-table, lower-table teams. I would love to be a part of this match and mark Higuain, that would be a great duel. It will be a storm and we have to come through it. I have complete faith in my team. There have been a few events away from the pitch this week, but they will not have distracted our focus. I also would like to win every match from now until the end of the season. I can guarantee that we will go into every match with the goal of winning. Luiz Adriano has a slight strain to his thigh muscle, but it should only keep him out a few days.”
More from Mihajlovic: “Romagnoli has had the flu for the past two or three days. He is better, but he isn’t yet 100%. He will go on the bench. We have prepared for this match like we always have done. We have done nothing different. These matches are easier to prepare for from a motivational standpoint. Tactically speaking, we have trained as we always have done. Everyone has trained well this week. I am happy with my team and long may it continue, whatever happens tomorrow. Let’s stay on this track and keep in the hunt for third place right the way through to the end of the season. The goal is to qualify for Europe, we will see whether it is the elite competition or not. When you are part of a great club like Milan, it’s only normal to find yourself involved in commercial events, it’s part and parcel of the job. As for next season, I have never been worried about what might happen. If both parties are happy, then we shall continue, otherwise we won’t. I do this job with a passion. I am not worried and I am calm. I handle pressure well and if anything, I like it.”
Closing comments from the tactician: “I always share what the President says. His statements aren’t to be commented upon, but rather, they are to be listened to. I think that everything around Balotelli has been amplified. For this reason, I hope he trains well and does well when he plays, finding the determination from within to try and change everything. If he changes his attitude, he is something else. He has to give his all, as do the rest of his team-mates. A player can be decisive even playing only five minutes. I evaluate the players throughout the week, but also in those five minutes. Balotelli, Menez and Boateng are all more or less in the same condition. When we need to make a change, we will evaluate the best option. Menez probably can’t manage 45 minutes yet, while Balotelli and Boateng could.”
The coach was joined by the club skipper and vice skipper for the press conference. These were their thoughts:
RICCARDO MONTOLIVO
“I feel we have become more confident and found an identity. We have the abilities to match Napoli tomorrow. They will attack, but we will be ready. The midfield and defence will have a lot of work to do to close down the spaces. We will have to be on our toes for the entire match.”
IGNAZIO ABATE
“The attitude will be key. Napoli are coming off the back of two defeats, but after Juve’s draw, they will be even more determined. We are in good shape both mentally and physically, but it will be equally as hard for them as it will be for us. We will need to be solid and organised. We are a good counter-attacking side. We cannot leave any space for them to exploit between our defence and our midfield. We have confidence and we will see what happens tomorrow.”