It was the final day at Milanello ahead of on matchday 27 in Serie A TIM 2018/2019. After the final session before the trip to Verona, Gennaro Gattuso held his press conference.
ON CHIEVOVERONA V AC MILAN
"It’ll be a very difficult game, we have to win it at all costs. They play in a relaxed way and we need to respect them. We can’t get it wrong. A great AC Milan performance is needed. We need to be aware that we have everything to lose. They’re struggling and are last in the league, but we need to be very careful and demonstrate high concentration levels. The game tomorrow is the important one, then we'll prepare for the Derby."
ABOUT THE TEAM
"I want to hear the word “we”, not “I”. We want unity and everyone to be happy, we must not lose the energy we have. Those who aren’t playing aren’t happy, but respect needs to be shown for teammates who take to the pitch. The players must give their all. I don’t make choices because I like or dislike a player. We need to be proud of what we're doing and continue on this path. Increased pressure is something you experience while wearing this shirt. We need to improve in both phases."
CONTINUOUS GROWTH
"If a player is rested it'll be because this is what is needed: when you play every three days and do a lot of running around, it takes it out of you. We've got a large squad and a lot of players are ready to play. We need to manage the whole team in the best possible way. We still need to take a qualitative leap forward in terms of our maturity and reading of games. There's still room for a large amount improvement. We need to continue to grow and improve without thinking about the problems that others might have. I’m convinced that the issue with Icardi has strengthend Inter."
PIATEK
"When we analyse matches, we see that Piatek always attacks deep in the opposition’s territory. To ensure that his runs don't go to waste, we often try to pick him out. It's fine making the most out of him, but not all the time. If he attacks in behind, it means that he's stretching the opposition, and this leads to more space to play the ball on the ground. A lot is being said about Polish strikers, they have grown a lot. I like how they go about playing football: they don't talk a lot and are very disciplined."
INDIVIDUALS
"Suso is not struggling physically. He is perhaps going through a period of difficulty, but he's been really important in terms of the points we've picked up. He's fine, it's not a problem, and he's important for us because he's capable of making that step up in quality. Caldara is available. I'm pleased with the words I heard from Conti yesterday. We know what he's been through, but we also know his value. In addition to him, there are a lot of players who haven’t been playing a lot, but everyone must respect the decisions that are being made. Calhanoglu remained in Germany for two days to attend the birth of his baby girl. We're happy and we'll see about tomorrow. Laxalt will play. Will Biglia start? Let's wait and see, he was out for quite a while, even if he has had some spells out on the pitch recently. Zapata still needs to do a bit of work before he's available again. A contract renewal? The club has proposed an extension of one year and we're waiting for his response."
THE FUTURE IS NOW
"I don’t think about my future, the future of Milan is what matters. I think about doing my best, and I’m only thinking about the Chievo game. I’ve not been totally happy so far, we’re improving in Italy but need to do more in Europe."
(Photo Getty Images)
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Source: legaseriea.it