Coach Gattuso on the eve of Cagliari vs AC Milan: “I want to see the players sweating during the week and fighting every day for a starting berth”.
As the Rossoneri are back in action after the break, it was time for the regular press conference at Milanello where Rino Gattuso answered the questions coming from the media. Among the topics he touched on, the upcoming game at Cagliari, the condition of his strikers, the improvements shown by the team and there was time also for a comment on Ronaldinho‘s retirement.
ON THE TEAM
“The players did what we asked them to do during the break and we are very happy with this. We needed the break, a breather to recharge the batteries both physically and mentally. They acted as professionals but we had no doubt about it. It’s now our duty to take things from where we left them. We hope to show what we actually have done over the past few matches because I liked how the team performed in the last period.
ON CAGLIARI
“Cagliari are good playing on the counterattack, with fast, pacey, interesting and young players. From a physical standpoint, they are a difficult team to face, they are in good shape and we need to win as many duels as possible. Bear in mind, they won at Atalanta and played well against Juve. We need a great game to take home a positive result.
ON THE IMPROVEMENTS
“Psychologically the team is changing and I know this isn’t enough but we have to think about how we were at the beginning. The first mistake we make we actually struggle and this is the aspect we have to improve alongside with finishing and putting the game to bed.
ON THE STRIKERS
“I am aware of the number of goals scored by our strikers. We have to work with these boys and we are actually doing some individual work with each one of them. It’s also a psychological problem. Once they actually start scoring once or twice then it’s going to be easier. André Silva has really great determination. It’s my responsibility to have the courage to give him a chance from the beginning. He’s young and still needs to improve as a striker. Many clubs have knocked at our door interested in the boy but the club was firm on its position. It’s my job to help him perform at his best.
ON BIGLIA AND THE TRANSFER MARKET
“I don’t want to talk about the individuals. All the players I have are important. We have 11 matches in 43 days. I am not the one to discover Biglia’s value, he’s not an Argentina international by chance. I am really happy to work with this squad, I know the value of these players and I know some of them can give more. I know the flaws and virtues of these boys. I told the management I wanted to keep working with the squad we have.
ON LOCATELLI
“I spoke with the management he is so important for us. He’s a class of 1998 player. In the most important match of the season – the derby in the TIM Cup – I started him. He still has to grow and improve but he’ll do it with us. He has everything it takes to become a great player.
ON HIS FUTURE
“I have to win games and have the team play well. I want to work day after day and only time will tell what will happen. I feel at home here.
ON HIS FIRST TWO MONTHS AS AC MILAN COACH
“These boys are real professionals and I was not expecting this. They showed great desire from the beginning. We are a young staff and I thought we could have struggled more but everyone at Milanello has been great and I want to thank them.
ON RONALDINHO
“He was a guy everyone loved. One of the top 10 players in the world. And as a person, he was loved by everyone. Never angry and always smiling. Hats off to him!”.
