Sinisa Mihajlovic reveals he will remain as Bologna manager while he battles leukaemia 

Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has revealed that he will remain in charge of the club while he battles leukaemia. 

Mihajlovic didn't travel with his squad for their pre-season training camp in Kastelruth, northern Italy, and held a special press conference to talk about his illness. 

As reported by Football Italia, Mihajlovic said: 'Unfortunately, or even fortunately, we performed some tests that showed anomalies I didn't have four months ago. I'll explain it all clearly, because I don't want people speculating.

'I'll tell you the truth, how things stand, then once that is done, the doctor will continue to give you updates, with my privacy respected.'

The 50-year-old revealed that he was emotional after discovering that he was ill, but stated that he 'cannot wait' to fight leukaemia. 

He said: 'When I got the news, it was a real blow. I sat there for days crying, your life passes by your eyes. These are not tears of fear. I respect the illness, I will face it, with chest puffed out, looking it in the eyes, the way I always have done.

'I cannot wait to go to hospital and start the fight. It is aggressive, but it is beatable. I explained that to my players too, we had a conference call with them and as is natural, I had some tears.

'I explained to them we have to attack and go to win. If we sit back and try to defend, we'll get knocked down straight away. I have to use my tactics in this battle and I am sure, without any doubts, that I will win this battle.'

Mihajlovic was appointed as Bologna manager in January, having previously managed the team in the 2008-09 season. 

He has also had spells in charge of AC Milan, Sampdoria and Fiorentina, as well as the Serbia national team. 

Mihajlovic earned much praise for his performances as a player, featuring for Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. 

Deployed as a defender or a midfielder, he often caught the eye with his superb free-kicks, and won the Serie A title with both Lazio and Inter Milan. He also featured prominently for Sampdoria. 

Source: Daily Mail

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