MILAN – Before facing the press, Sinisa Mihajlovic spoke exclusively to the Milan Channel.

This is what the coach said to the club’s in-house TV station, starting with some of his previous experiences in other derbies: “The Belgrade derby is  one of the most passionate. Back then I was playing for the team I supported as a boy, a bit like Totti or De Rossi for Roma. In that period however Red Star were a lot stronger, it was the era we won the European Cup. The result was practically a foregone conclusion. As a player in Italy I never won a derby. But as a coach I don’t think I have ever lost and I hope it continues tomorrow.  We have had little time to prepare with a full squad. Inter will be in the same boat though. We cannot look for excuses, but instead play like we have prepared. I am sure we will do well. I don’t think Miranda will play but I think Icardi will. I know my ways can be appear direct. I am used to saying what I think. I never settle for second best. I know it will take time; no one can perform miracles. We have to increase our efforts. We have all the qualities to be contenders this season. My players aren’t children. They are men that work hard for the club. My words were used to motivate them. We have to be proud to represent this club. We want an attacking side and that plays to win. We’re an ambitious outfit and we have to show that. Football is about enjoyment and spectacle. The two words go hand in hand. There is pressure on us but at the end of the day it is only a game. It should bring joy and we are fortunate.”