Gennaro Gattuso confirms he will change Milan to a 4-3-3 system against Bologna and again criticised the fitness levels of the team.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“I expect determination, hunger and awareness of how important this game is,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Gennaro Gattuso confirms he will change Milan to a 4-3-3 system against Bologna and again criticised the fitness levels of the team.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“I expect determination, hunger and awareness of how important this game is,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
The Rossoneri managed only a 2-2 draw with bottom of the table Benevento and lost 2-0 to Europa League strugglers Rijeka since sacking Vincenzo Montella.
“There are moments of difficulty in football, I want to see that at the first slap in the face, we don’t fall down, but react with vehemence and strength.
“Bologna are difficult to face, we must be particularly wary on set plays and counter-attacks. We’ve got to take the initiative tomorrow and that can leave us open at the back. I have great respect for Roberto Donadoni, as he is a Coach who says things to your face.”
Gattuso would fit that description too and tried to clarify his position with regards to some of the new Milan buys.
“I see the quality that Andre Silva has and that hasn’t really been reflected in match situations, perhaps due to me and the rest of the team. I ask him to do more because I know he can do more, just like all the players.”
The biggest shift may well be tactical, as Gattuso tested the 4-3-3 formation in training.
“It’s true that we made some tests and there are problems with the mechanisms of the three-man defence, so we could well change that. It’ll take a little time for that and we will have to change some things.
“I think this team can play with three at the back, but it has to be organised, otherwise it turns into a five-man defence. The wing-backs must push forward vehemently.
“It’s important not to rush things and work on concepts in training, as you can’t just copy and paste systems.
“With regards to fitness levels, I don’t want to offend anyone and I admire Vincenzo and his staff, but to play in a certain way, you need a particular drive in the legs. Many times we find ourselves with three defenders against one striker and cannot afford that.
“For example, in English football, there are very few tactical concepts they work on, but if you want to play at a high tempo, you train at it too. Spanish and English sides train at 100mph and with great intensity.
“The fact that a few players aren’t in great shape must not be an alibi. We’ve got to give the sensation that we are all together, covering every area of the pitch. We must chase the result at all costs and it’s fundamental to bring home a victory.”
This will be Gattuso’s first game as Milan Coach at San Siro, the arena where he was hailed as a player.
“My emotions can go into the background today, as I played at San Siro for many years and got a few insults too. Tomorrow we need our fans, so I hope there is no protest.”