Sinisa Mihajlovic felt Bologna securing Serie A safety was “practically a miracle” and hinted he is ready for a big club, whether it’s Lazio or Juventus.
The Coach took over from Pippo Inzaghi in January and transformed their fortunes, culminating in this evening’s 3-3 draw away to Lazio.
“Nobody, or at least very few, believed we could stay in Serie A and I was one of them. I saw this team had quality and characteristics. The more time went on, the more I became convinced,” Mihajlovic told Sky Sport Italia.
Sinisa Mihajlovic felt Bologna securing Serie A safety was “practically a miracle” and hinted he is ready for a big club, whether it’s Lazio or Juventus.
The Coach took over from Pippo Inzaghi in January and transformed their fortunes, culminating in this evening’s 3-3 draw away to Lazio.
“Nobody, or at least very few, believed we could stay in Serie A and I was one of them. I saw this team had quality and characteristics. The more time went on, the more I became convinced,” Mihajlovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think the change in my time here has been practically a miracle. I want to thank the squad, who are great men first and great players after.
“We had moments of difficulty, but we always stuck together, we always believed and I think we deserved to achieve safety.
“The most important thing was to get the mentality back on track, so the players understood that to play my style of football, we needed courage, to focus only on ourselves and not the opposition.
“Once the mentality has been sorted out, and we also changed fitness training to be a little more intensive, we got over the understandable injuries at the start of that change, and then really changed gear.”
During this evening’s game, Mihajlovic was called and celebrated by both the Bologna crowd and Lazio ultras.
“I am very pleased to feel the affection of the fans, whether they are Lazio or Bologna. It doesn’t happen every day that both sets of fans cheer you on. It must mean I’ve left behind some good memories.
“As for the future, let’s enjoy this moment and if we win on Saturday, then we can finish in 10th place, which really would be a masterpiece. We’ve got to hold on for another four or five days and have the motivation still, because safety in 15th place and in 10th is not the same thing.
“Considering the other head-to-head fixtures, we have a good chance for a top 10 finish and that would be the icing on the cake.”
Mihajlovic was asked about the reports he is on the shortlist for the Juventus job, while he was also mentioned for Lazio if Simone Inzaghi moves on.
“Yes, Juve contacted me – five years ago. Our profession means constantly improving, working and updating your knowledge, keeping up with trends, so I am a different Coach now to five years ago. I was born ready…”