Press conference, Gattuso: “Champions League? No, Udinese”
Coach Gennaro Gattuso on the eve of the match against the Friulans: “We have to think game after game and tomorrow we need to be perfect”.
Rino Gattuso was back at Milanello this afternoon to answer the questions from the media on the eve of the Udinese game as the Rossoneri are ready to travel to Friuli looking to continue their positive streak and their climb back up in Serie A, well aware of the importance of the match and the difficulties that hide behind it.
ON UDINESE
“Udinese are a really, really good team who know exactly what to do. Massimo Oddo has a very physical side who play really nice vertical football and who have won 20 points in the past nine meetings: only Napoli and Juve have done better.
ON THE RECIPE TO WIN THE GAME
“We have to play a perfect match to win tomorrow. We need a top quality game, we can’t make a single mistake. André Silva from the beginning? Might be.
ON THE TEAM’S RUN OF FORM
“We are doing well because we are working well. The boys deserve it. We are a solid group, united. It’s important that everyone rows in the same direction because I need all my players, those who don’t get much playing time too. I understand everyone wants to play, but I don’t want to see a negative attitude and it’s my job to prevent this from happening.
ON THE COMPLIMENTS RECEIVED
“I know exactly what my ideas are, I know how well my staff is prepared and I know the qualities of my players. The management asked me if I thought we needed to sign someone new but as I said before, I am happy with the squad we have. I tend not to read the papers a lot and follow what the media say as I want to focus on what we are doing. I still have a long road ahead of me, a lot to learn. Compliments are always well-accepted but we mustn’t forget where we were two months ago; if we think we’re all blond with blue eyes we are wrong. We have to be the ugly ones because we haven’t achieved anything yet. We have to think game after game, aiming at Samp who are 3 points above us.
ON THE THINGS TO IMPROVE
“We lack energy and clarity of mind in the last 15-20 metres. I think the strikers are the first to defend and help the backline. During the week we work a lot on the defensive line, on the counterattacks. The players are really showing great desire.
ON THE TIGHT SCHEDULE
“I will give the boys a day and a half off to charge their batteries. We are playing every three days, it’s a matter of getting used to it, it’s psychological. We didn’t play well in the first half against Lazio, we were sitting too low but the more we played the better we were doing. Which shows how physically the team is doing much better. We have to be careful, though, as we can’t risk losing anyone.
ON KESSIE
“Franck has the qualities to score 10 goals this season. He needs to improve in attacking the space and to be more clinical in the last 20 metres.
ON SUSO
“Suso does well both phases – offensive and defensive – he has a great attitude. Of course, we expect some more goals from his favourite spot but he’s giving us a great hand, I am really happy with what he’s doing for the team. He knows everyone appreciates him and that he’s a very important player for us.
ON CALABRIA AND CUTRONE
“Davide is 20 but he looks 40 for the experience he has. His best quality? He’s really humble, always listens to the advice you give him and he is eager to improve. Patrick (Cutrone) is ready to do everything. He has great enthusiasm, he’s always ready to come on. He’s young and we need him not only for his goals but for how he plays for the team.
ON ANDREA CONTI’S RECOVERY
“Andrea has been ruled out for 4 and a half months, he has started light training with the group but it’s still early. I think he can resume full training in a month or so. We mustn’t’ rush it. He’s not limping, he’s not feeling any pain and this is good. He has great desire. As long as I am here he won’t make the mistake to rush things.
ON COSTACURTA’S NEW ROLE IN THE FIGC
“I am happy for him and he has the great responsibility of naming the new Italy coach. Billy is a great man, classy, very intelligent who knows what he wants from life. He deserves this opportunity and everyone hopes he can do well for the sake and future of Italian football as the national team is very important“.