Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic admits he was close to the Napoli job, but Maurizio Sarri is a better fit.

The two sides meet on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“I will always thank President Aurelio De Laurentiis for wanting to bring me to Napoli,” he said in today’s Press conference.

Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic admits he was close to the Napoli job, but Maurizio Sarri is a better fit.

The two sides meet on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“I will always thank President Aurelio De Laurentiis for wanting to bring me to Napoli,” he said in today’s Press conference.

“We met a couple of times, but decided by mutual accord not to work together. If I didn’t go to Napoli, it was my choice, even though perhaps the way things went was better for him!

“Sarri is a friend and I respect him a great deal, even though he arrived on the main stage a little late in the day. We also texted each other after his 5-0 win over Lazio.”

Much has been said over Mihajlovic’s rapport with Milan President Silvio Berlusconi.

“I remain myself, whether I’m talking to Berlusconi or the kit staff. I don’t look at their position. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing.

“I have a good rapport with Berlusconi and we always have a constructive exchange of ideas. I’m pleased he invited me to his birthday party. He called me yesterday, to thank me for the card and present.

“I understand the President wants certain things and I try to make him happy on the one hand, but also explain to him if and why I see it differently.

“I feel that I am in debt to Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani, but hope to be even by the end of the season.”

There had also been reports Milan wanted Sarri for the job before settling on Mihajlovic, but that the ex-Empoli Coach’s political leanings were a problem for former Prime Minister Berlusconi.

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