Mihajlovic: 'Jovetic is suffering'

Sinisa Mihajlovic has history with both Fiorentina and Inter, but warns Stevan Jovetic “is suffering and could leave at the end of the season.”

Mihajlovic played for Inter and was assistant manager to Roberto Mancini, while he was sacked as Fiorentina Coach last season. He is now the Coach of Serbia.

“I consider Jovetic to be one of the best players in Serie A, but right now he is not playing at his level. I am no longer in Florence, so I cannot say for sure what the problem is. It’s evident he is suffering because of something and if things don’t change I think he’ll leave at the end of the season.

“Jovetic is a sensitive guy and it’s fundamental you know how to deal with him. As with all great champions, he needs to feel important. It means giving him responsibility, but also ‘communicating’ that he is one of the best.

“Maybe the problem is that he doesn’t feel as highly considered as he’d like.”

Among the talents expected to shine at the Stadio Franchi this evening are Adem Ljajic, Mateo Kovacic and Zdravko Kuzmanovic.

“I am pleased to see so many Slavic players in two of the best Serie A teams, regardless of whether they are Serb, Croat, Slovenian or Montenegrin,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“When I arrived in Italy there were many of us, then we rather lost our way, but I am glad to see we are back in fashion. After all, these countries have always had many football talents.

“I saw Kovacic play against Cluj and was impressed. He has great character, is a battler with good technique and excellent vision. I understand why Inter paid over €10m for him, even though he is only 18.”