The challenges facing Mihajlović at Milan
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
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Roberta Radaelli assesses the issues Sinisa Mihajlović must tackle as he takes over as AC Milan coach, with defensive improvement and a reliable striker high on his agenda.
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Appointed as Filippo Inzaghi's successor at AC Milan, Siniša Mihajlović faces a stiff task to improve their fortunes after the Rossoneri ended 2014/15 in tenth place with the club's fewest Serie A victories since 2000/01. The 46-year-old will have two seasons to improve results, starting from five key areas.
Goals conceded
Inzaghi's side conceded 50 goals in 38 Serie A games, whereas only the top three let in fewer goals than Mihajlović's seventh-placed UC Sampdoria (42). The Serbian coach will have to instil the same focus and organisation in the Rossoneri defence. "He will bring order and discipline," said former Milan forward Daniele Massaro. In particular, he will have to work on one aspect: the Rossoneri shipped too many goals from set pieces (13).
Experience
While Inzaghi only began coaching in 2012 with Milan's Under-20s, Mihajlović was assistant to Roberto Mancini from 2006 to 2008 at FC Internazionale Milano, with the team winning two Scudettos and one Coppa Italia. He quit Inter soon after the Nerazzurri installed José Mourinho and had spells in charge of Bologna FC, Calcio Catania and ACF Fiorentina before taking over the Serbian national squad in 2012. After leaving Serbia, he had two campaigns with Sampdoria from November 2013.
Break the away games jinx
The Rossoneri not only registered their least number of league victories since 2000/01 (13), they won just four away matches out of 19, the same amount as relegated Cagliari Calcio. Although Milan's favourite philosophy has always been "vincere e convincere" (win and impress), results are still paramount in football and Mihajlović needs to improve these figures.
Who's the striker?
One of Milan's main problems this term was the failure to find a reliable forward. Jérémy Ménez was their leading Serie A scorer with 16 goals in 33 outings, yet he is an attacking midfielder, as are Giacomo Bonaventura (seven goals) and Keisuke Honda (six). Some new faces may help – FC Porto ace Jackson Martínez is reportedly close to joining – though Mihajlović will also have to strike the right balance to help his attackers. Mattia Destro got eight league goals in total last season but only three for Milan after arriving in January. Meanwhile Inter's Mauro Icardi scored 22, Carlos Tévez hit 20 for Juventus and SSC Napoli's Gonzalo Higuaín managed 18.
Character and determination
When Samuel Eto'o moved to Sampdoria in the new year, some fans reacted to his signing as if a Hollywood star was joining a local theatre troupe, but not Mihajlović. When the three-time UEFA Champions League winner did not show up for that day's second training session, the coach described it as a "lack of respect". Eto'o did not miss another session. Milan were certainly short of a little character in 2014/15, suffering too many comebacks. "Every team absorbs its coach's character," said trainer Gianluca Atzori. "That's why I am sure Milan will pick up a spine and some determination from Mihajlović."