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| Mihajlovic to consult Mancini |
Wednesday 5 November, 2008 |
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New Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic will ask Roberto Mancini for advice as he settles into his first coaching role.
The Serb was Mancini’s assistant at Inter for two years until the summer and replaces Daniele Arrigoni who was sacked on Monday.
“He knows the atmosphere,” Mihajlovic told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We have been friends for 20 years, he is my big brother. I will certainly ask him for advice. I am not ashamed to say it.”
When asked if Mancini was an inspiration to him, Mihajlovic replied: “In part. I look to take the best from every one of the trainers I have had.
“In terms of preparation for a game Mancio is the best. On the management of the group I look to [Vujadin] Boskov, [Sven Goran] Eriksson and [Carlo] Mazzone.”
The 39-year-old former Lazio defender takes over a Bologna side that is second from bottom in Serie A and still reeling from a 5-1 defeat at Cagliari on Sunday.
“We will save ourselves,” he insisted. “For me it is a certainty. It has to be also for the players. I will begin to work on their psychology. I will not revolutionise things.
“Who believes in us plays, who doesn’t is out. Explain to me what exactly Catania and Atalanta have that we don’t?”
Mihajlovic revealed that he called his predecessor Arrigoni to wish him well in the future and he hopes that there are no hard feelings between the two of them.
“There will always be the utmost respect,” he added. “I said sorry to him. Unfortunately, as [Giovanni] Trapattoni said, you can divide Coaches into two categories – those who are sacked and those who will be sacked.”
The outspoken Mihajlovic did not think his lack of experience would count against him either and moved to reassure the fans that he is more than capable of getting Bologna out of trouble.
“There is scepticism,” he admitted. “Perhaps [Fabio] Capello also caused a few stirs at the beginning of his career.
“But I know where to intervene and I hope that a new face can also carry a little positivity. I stopped playing not so long ago and I am not 20.
“I know how the players work. My role at Inter was that of understanding the problems in the dressing room.”
Mihajlovic, who won two Scudetti, four Coppa Italia crowns and two Italian Super Cups as a player, did not rule out the chance of doing some business with former club Inter.
“We’ll see. I have to understand what the team needs. That is the key,” he said, before admitting that he would be interested in signing Aparecido Cesar who is out of contract with the Nerazzurri.
“If he is fit, he is an important player. I have heard from him. He is training, but it is too soon to say anything.”
On being asked which are the first issues he has to correct at Bologna, Mihajlovic replied: “The defence always has to be a four while there is room for change in the other departments.
“Then I want to see the ball played on the floor and as few long balls as possible even if some players like them.”
Bologna play host to Roma at the weekend and will have their work cut out after the Giallorossi beat Chelsea 3-1 on Tuesday night.
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