Gennaro Gattuso urged Milan to “kill games off” and match Cagliari in terms of intensity, but won’t let Andre Silva or Manuel Locatelli go.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The team has worked very well and hopefully we can continue the form seen lately,” said the Coach in his Press conference after the Winter break.
Gennaro Gattuso urged Milan to “kill games off” and match Cagliari in terms of intensity, but won’t let Andre Silva or Manuel Locatelli go.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The team has worked very well and hopefully we can continue the form seen lately,” said the Coach in his Press conference after the Winter break.
“Cagliari are a side who can do damage on the counter-attack, are in good shape and we’ve got to limit the space they can play in. They are vehement in their attitude, so in order to bring home a good result, we must be equal to their intensity.
“I know that a few of my players can give much more, but I am starting to know them well now, their strengths and weaknesses. Why change a squad just for the sake of it? I always said that I wanted to maintain the current team.
“I did think at first that the fact we were a young staff would allow some players to cut corners, but I’ve been impressed with how professional they all are.
“There have been some changes on a psychological level, but we must also remember where we started from and the difficulties we were dealing with.
“It’s true we must finish off our chances more and kill games off, but we’re taking it one step at a time.”
Gattuso was asked if he will remain on the Milan bench next season too, after today’s Tuttosport rumours they are targeting Maurizio Sarri of Napoli.
“I must do my all, try to win every game, but the priority is not to remain here or not. The last problem Milan have to worry about is Rino Gattuso. I feel at home here and have great responsibility towards this club. Those aren’t just words, I really mean it.”
The Rossoneri have struggled to get the best out of some young players, like Andre Silva or Locatelli, who have been linked with January moves.
“Andre Silva is in good shape, he has this incredible desire to work hard and I should be more courageous in throwing him into the mix. He is young and needs to improve on a few ideas, but it’s no coincidence so many clubs want him. Milan moved well to sign this player and want to keep him.
“Locatelli came to talk to me and the club a week before the Winter break. He has to stay here. I played him from the start in the derby (against Inter in the Coppa Italia) because that was a fundamental match. His moment will come and it’s right that he continues to grow with us.”