Berlusconi sets Mihajlovic CL target

(ANSA) - Milan, July 3 - Owner Silvio Berlusconi on Friday set new AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic the minimum target of getting the Serie A giants to qualify for the Champions League next season. "It's a categoric imperative for Milan to return to the Champions League next year," Berlusconi said that the press conference to present Mihajlovic. The seven-time European champions finished a lowly 10th in Serie A last season, a long way from the European qualifying slots, under Mihajlovic's predecessor Filippo Inzaghi. Berlusconi said Serbian Mihajlovic, who led Sampdoria to a seventh-place finish last season, "has all the necessary characteristics to take Milan back to the level it belongs to". Mihajlovic should have a stronger team to work with than Inzaghi did.
    On Thursday the club announced two big signings, forwards Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano. The Italian giants reportedly agreed to pay a figure close to the 30-million-euro buy-out clause in Bacca's contract with Sevilla to land the services of the 28-year-old Colombia striker, whose goals help the Spaniards win the 2014 and 2015 Europa League.
    Milan also wrapped up a deal for Brazil forward Luiz Adriano, whose contract with Shakhtar Donetsk runs out at the end of the year.
    Milan have bought midfielder Andrea Bertolacci, who has three Italy caps, too and Berlusconi confirmed Friday that they are interested in bringing back Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain.
    After years of taking a prudent approach on the transfer market, Milan are looking to land big names, with an injection of cash thanks to Berlusconi's recent agreement with Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol to sell a 48% stake in the club for around 500 million euros.
    On Friday, however, Berlusconi stressed that Taechaubol's money has not arrived yet and that he has financed all the transfer moves so far this year.
    "Milan have always been a side to be feared and I want that Milan side back," said Mihajlovic. "I want my Milan team to instil fear in other teams. We will be like our motto, a team of devils, red like fire and black like the fear we will instil into our opponents. "I am convinced that we can achieve good things this season".
    Berlusconi has a reputation for giving orders to Milan coaches on specific footballing decisions, but Mihajlovic said he had no fears about speaking his mind to the three-time Italian premier.
    "I am not afraid of exchanging ideas with anyone. The president (Berlusconi) is the best person to explain what Milan means and what Milan is all about," Mihajlovic told reporters.
    "It is a privilege for me to talk about football with him and exchange opinions. But that will remain between us".