Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was critical of the Blucerchiati effort on Sunday afternoon as they were handily defeated 3-0 by an in-form Atalanta squad.
The Serbian technician’s squad were never in the match and the spirit and grit which had been a Sampdoria trademark since Mihajlovic’s arrival were nowhere on display.
The post-match interviews with Mihajlovic were lively as the Serb was furious over his squad’s efforts.
“Today we saw the Sampdoria of five months ago,” Mihajlovic told reporters.
“In the first 15 minutes we tried to play and were then just satisfied,” he spat, “And for that, it is my responsibility because I have to provide the motivation.”
The Genovese side has performed well since the former Lazio star and all-time Serie A free kick goal scorer took over for Delio Rossi in November. The loss marked only the fourth defeat in 15 Serie A matches under Mihajlovic.
“We have had an excellent season up to this point, but if we play like we did today it will all be for nothing,” Mihajlovic contiued.
“We have to play first as men and then as players. We must return with our feet firmly on the ground and not think of ourselves as if we’ve become stars.”
I hope that means putting Eder on the bench.