The press conference of Gennaro Gattuso ahead of Bologna v AC Milan for Serie A TIM matchday 16 was held at Milanello, after the final training session and the officialization.
"We have to bounce back tomorrow: it will be a crucial game and will serve as a sort of thermometer to measure how well we play and react under pressure. I and Inzaghi have a lot at stake tomorrow, it is part of the job but our friendship and mutual respect will always remain".
The Rossoneri coach spoke again about the Europa League match vs. Olympiacos: "I want to see the same performance as in Athens, but without the individual mistakes. We gave the game away and we were distracted in some specific situations. We had the game in hand. When there is no determination and anger we do not reap what we sow. We take full responsibility for the result, it is and must remain a scar for us. I am the first at fault. We made a fool of ourselves but the qualification was compromised even before Athens, making several mistakes. Seeing some tears in the locker room hit me, it is a demonstration that this group has strong values".
About the team he said: "My players deserve respect, I keep hearing of players coming and going, we have to improve a lot, my staff and I have understood that, but I can not ask for more as per the team's human and professional level. We still have 3-4 games before the end of the year and there is no room for error. We need more continuity and more determination".
Finally Gatuso spoke about the individuals: "I have to be careful with Romagnoli and Musacchio, there is no hurry, I do not want to risk a relapse with Alessio's calf, let's see if he will play tomorrow. Even Musacchio had a significant injury. Conti is ready, it's up to me to throw him into the fray. I spoke with Higuain, he is the first to be disappointed with this situation, we need his goals, but above all we need his character and his experience, he has to be an added value and motivate his teammates. He can do more. Calhanoglu can contribute a lot, let us see if he can take a break tomorrow. Castillejo is doing well, Bakayoko is an all-round player, who can also play as an inside midfielder or as a defensive midfielder at the physical and tactical level".
(Photo Getty Images)
www.acmilan.com
Source: legaseriea.it