Sinisa Mihajlovic happy with AC Milan despite derby defeat to Inter
Monday 14 September 2015 09:42, UK
AC Milan's players have been spared another dressing down by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic despite losing to local rivals Inter.
Fredy Guarin's second-half strike at the San Siro saw Inter edge past Milan on Sunday evening as the Nerazzurri picked up a third consecutive win and go clear at the top of Serie A.
Mihajlovic has made some surprisingly outspoken criticism of his team since replacing Filippo Inzaghi in the close season, but the fiery Serb said he was satisfied with their performance in Sunday night's match.
"I am not angry this time, the result is disappointing but the lads played well," Mihajlovic said.
"Tonight I found my team again. I can be happy when we lose and unhappy when we win, because if we keep playing like this then it'll be a success.
"Playing in front of 70,000 people is different to playing against Empoli and I am happy to have seen the spirit again that I want."
Mihajlovic became Milan's fourth coach in less than two years when he was appointed to try and lift the side out of their rut.
The seven-time European champions have failed to qualify for Europe in the last two seasons after finishing eighth and then tenth in Serie A.
Inter also failed to qualify for Europe last season but have got off to a flying start this time and are the only team to have won their first three games.
"I am not angry this time, the result is disappointing but the lads played well. Tonight I found my team again."
"Winning the derby in the third match of the season is important because teams haven't found their best form yet," said Inter coach Roberto Mancini.
"This win should give us added belief in our ability and help us to work calmly, but we know there's still a long way to go. It's our duty to aim for the very top because we're Inter."
Mancini was also pleased with the performances of debutants Felipe Melo and Ivan Perisic.
"Felipe Melo is a great player. I didn't know him until I had the chance to coach him. He's aggressive when he needs to be and I think he played an excellent game today," he added.
"Perisic can play in any position but he only joined us three days ago and we'll need time to help him and the other new guys to settle into the side."
