Sinisa Mihajlovic admires Napoli, but warns Milan “have identified their weaknesses.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We know Napoli are a very organised side with potentially one of the best strike forces in Europe. We also know they too have weaknesses,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
Sinisa Mihajlovic admires Napoli, but warns Milan “have identified their weaknesses.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We know Napoli are a very organised side with potentially one of the best strike forces in Europe. We also know they too have weaknesses,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“I want to see my team play with the right attitude for the full 95 minutes. I did expect to see some of the problems from previous seasons. I hoped to fix them earlier, but I remain convinced I will fix them.
“It’s not easy, as this is not a physical or tactical issue, because otherwise we wouldn’t play better when down to 10 men against Genoa than with 11.
“It’s psychological. It is Milan’s duty to stay at the top, not a right handed to us just because we wear the Rossoneri jersey. We need the right mentality in every game and if we don’t match our opponents for determination, we won’t win.
“It all depends on us. If we play the way we did against Inter, in the first half with Udinese or the second half at Genoa, then we can qualify for the Champions League.
“If we play like the first half at Genoa or the second half in Udine, then we won’t even get into Europe. We know we’re facing a strong side in good shape and I view Gonzalo Higuain as perhaps the best striker in Europe right now. Again, we know they have weak spots.
“We prepared our defensive transitions, then a lot depends on our determination. They can press us, but if we do well then there shouldn’t be problems. The lads know what they have to do.”
Mario Balotelli and Keisuke Honda are in doubt for the game due to an injury and illness respectively.
“We have another day and a half. If Balotelli is in the same condition he is now, then he can go on the bench. As for Honda, what kind of a Samurai has the flu?! Tomorrow he won’t play, as he’s had a fever for three days.
“I expect more from Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano, because they need to make a much bigger impact on the game.”
Mihajlovic has the same high expectations of himself as Coach.
“When anyone works, they are going to make mistakes. Looking back I could’ve made different choices, but I only know that with the benefit of hindsight. I don’t think I made huge mistakes, as I run everything through in my mind before making a decision.”
This week Kevin-Prince Boateng started training with the squad and could be signed from Schalke 04 in January.
“He is here, he’s training with us until January. We’ll see how he trains, how he behaves and what shape he’s in physically before making a decision.”