Current Torino coach and former AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic criticised the former Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi for taking too active a role in team affairs.
The Serbian also expressed some regret that he didn’t have the chance to work with Berlusconi earlier on during his tenure with the Diavolo before things soured later on.
“I was never angry at my sacking, I only felt bitterness and disappointment if anything,” said Mihajlovic to La Gazetta dello Sport.
“I bear no grudges. I left Milan in Europe and the Coppa Italia final. The players were united and gave their all.
“I had a very good relationship with [vice-president Adriano] Galliani. Nobody understood my sacking. Not the players or the fans and I’ve never received so many phone calls expressing solidarity.”
The 47-year-old then discuss his relationship with Berlusconi further.
“He wasn’t just the most successful president in 30 years at Milan but he was also the club’s number one fan,” added Mihajlovic.
“The problems started when these roles weren’t enough and he also wanted to be the coach. Let’s just say that he didn’t keep his opinions to himself although I always picked the team.
“I knew the final version of Berlusconi, it would have been nice to have known the first but I thank him for the chance he gave me and I wish him well for the future.”
The former defender then discussed Torino’s chances for the coming season.
“We still have a long way to go to create a complete and competitive squad which can compete for the Europa League,” added Mihajlovic.
“I can promise the fans that we will be like the great Valentino Mazzola and roll up our sleeves. I ask of my players that they feel the joy of every win and the pain of every defeat as every one of our fans do.
“There’s great harmony about our objectives and the future and the club’s balances are in good shape.”
Mihajlovic did reserve some critics for his compatriot Nikola Maksimovic went AWOL while being linked with a move away.
“I don’t know if he’s making mistakes by himself or if he’s badly advised and I don’t give a damn,” added the Granata boss.
“He will pay the price for this behaviour. He has a short memory as I gave him his international debut.
“The club offered him an improved contract and favourable conditions in the case of a future transfer and he assured me that he was happy to stay.”
