Mihajlovic: Top-half finish is the target for Sampdoria

Date: 14th September 2014 at 10:21am
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Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic says that a top-half finish is the target for his team this season ahead of Sunday’s Serie A game against Torino.

The Blucerchiati managed a 12th place finish last season but the coach told a press conference at the club’s Bogliasco training ground that he hopes to do better this time around.

“Every game is a test, and we have only just begun,” he said. “We have an important game and must get off to a good start.”

“I am convinced that we can challenge in the top half of the table. Then we’ll see if it is from eighth to ninth or fifth to sixth place. What matters is to have consistent results.”

Samp kicked off their season on August 31 with a 1-1 draw at newly promoted Palermo, with a late equaliser from Daniele Gastaldello rescuing a point.

“We did quite well in Palermo although we could do better. And tomorrow I expect the team to improve especially in the quality of our play. Torino are well organised, they haven’t lost in 13 games, and have only conceded five goals.

“Ten men play behind the ball, they close down quickly and they can hurt you. They are well prepared but we must be patient.”

The Serbian was also questioned on his tactics ahead of the game.

“What we have done all this time? The 4-3-1-2 is one solution that there can be, during the match, or even from the beginning, to take advantage of the two strikers and to see if [Stefano] Okaka and [Gonzalo] Bergessio are compatible, but our formation is 4-3-3.”

The 45-year-old talked about his respect for his opposite number at Torino Giampiero Ventura, who has yet to taste victory against Mihajlovic.

“Ventura has long been one of my favourite coaches, although so far I have not lost against him.

“Also against Torino I have never been defeated. Hopefully it will not happen tomorrow even though there are all the prerequisites for losing … No, just kidding, I hope not!”

It has been announced that Sampdoria have sold 18,000 season tickets for the new season, and the former Fiorentina coach was full of praise for the club’s fans.

“Season ticket sales were partly the result of the good transfer market that we had; we now have two players in every position.

“It is true that the fans, even in times of crisis, have been loyal to the club and have demonstrated once again the love for their team.

“We must repay them on the field, we are ready to act. Against Torino we will do our duty and try to keep them entertained.”

Follow George Gibson on Twitter: @George_Gibson9

 

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