Coach Gennaro Gattuso in today’s press conference on the eve of the Milan derby: “It’s like a final for us, no mistakes allowed“.
With the TIM Cup semifinal in the past, for Rino Gattuso and his boys it’s already time for another important clash, the derby against city rivals Inter. No distractions can be allowed, knowing it’s another game the Rossoneri mustn’t fail to continue climbing back up in the table. and on the eve of this derby, the boss addressed the media at the regular pre-match press conference at Milanello.
ON PRESIDENT LI YONGHONG’S ARRIVAL
“I was aware the president was coming. He will be spending a few hours with us tomorrow. It’s something that pleases us a lot because the president has always backed us and never made us feel like there was something lacking. It’s an important message for all the people who work at the club.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DERBY
“Playing in a derby is always great, but it’s a tough match. We have to keep our feet on the ground, respect our opponents, be humble. We mustn’t make any mistakes as we can’t afford it. If they [Inter] can, we can’t. I want to see a great game physically and mentally. These matches have to be played with grit. I want the boys to give their all.
A TIRED TEAM?
“I don’t want to hear that word. When you train for 70-80 minutes it’s almost the same effort you put into the game, except in a match there’s that tension you obviously don’t have in training. The team is ready. We have no excuses. This is like a final for us. The match by itself is motivating. There’s everything at stake.
AC MILAN FAVOURED TO WIN
“Most of the times the derby is won by those who are not going through their best period. Look at the derby we won in December which gave us the energy to do well in the following months. We are favoured to win an I don’t like this. Inter are still 7 points adrift and they are stronger than us. What worries me the most is their manager, a well prepared and experienced coach. I think we have to read the game well.
DANGERS IN THIS DERBY – INTER
“Inter are above us although they are not going through a great period they want to beat us. We have to be ready. Icardi is one of the strongest strikers in the world. He’s a sniper, very clinical. Candreva and Perisic too are players of great quality.
DANGERS IN THIS DERBY – TOO MUCH ENTHUSIASM
“I think the only danger is if we think we have become the strongest. We haven’t done anything yet. We have to become a team, we can still improve and do something important. We have everything it takes to do so. Through grit, desire, self-sacrifice and working with a smile on our faces, we can achieve great results. I have to continue motivating my boys.
ON KALINIC AND THE OTHER PLAYERS STRUGGLING
“I want to protect Kalinic like all my other players. As long as I see respect towards the team, the people who work for the team, I will always protect my players. Kalinic is strong and I think he has shown it. I have to do everything I can to have him back.
I hope the fans will help him: not only him but also André Silva and all the others who are not going through a great period.
CONTI INJURY UPDATE
“Andrea [Conti] is working with great continuity. He will undergo more tests next week and we’ll see if he can start playing with the Primavera in two weeks time. He needs to get some minutes into his legs before being back with us.
COMPARISON WITH ANTONIO CONTE
“Maybe we have a similar character. But it’s still a long road to become like him. He’s more experienced than I am but this comparison is a great honour for me“.
