Gennaro Gattuso admires Udinese and warns Milan not to get caught up in their own hype. “We’re not Brad Pitt, we’re as ugly as me and my beard.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
This is the first time that two members of the 2006 World Cup squad will face off as opposition Coaches.
Gennaro Gattuso admires Udinese and warns Milan not to get caught up in their own hype. “We’re not Brad Pitt, we’re as ugly as me and my beard.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
This is the first time that two members of the 2006 World Cup squad will face off as opposition Coaches.
“I shared so much with Massimo Oddo. He’s an intelligent and funny guy whose success speaks for him. He got a few slaps in the face from me for his pranks, as we had very different ideas on how to prepare for a game,” laughed Gattuso in his Press conference.
“We need an excellent performance tomorrow to get a result. Udinese are physically strong, they force teams back, but also counter very quickly. We mustn’t get anything wrong, as at the moment only Napoli and Juventus are on better form.”
The January transfer window closed with Gabriel Paletta’s contract terminated by mutual consent and Gustavo Gomez still in talks with Boca Juniors.
“I didn’t want any new buys because I firmly believe in this squad. The club asked if I needed anything, but I always said we were fine as we were.
“I know my ideas and the hard work of my staff. I keep my feet on the ground and try not to read too much that is said about me, because I know there’s a long way to go.
“We mustn’t forget what people were saying about us only six weeks ago, otherwise we’ll regress. We’re not Brad Pitt now, we’ve got to continue being as ugly as me and my beard, with dark circles under our eyes.
“I hear talk of a Champions League place, but we’re not even in the Europa League spots now.”
Gattuso has certainly made a difference in recent weeks, notching up three consecutive Serie A victories and holding Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-final.
“We concede fewer goals because everyone contributes to the defending now, including the strikers. In training we constantly practice the line, the counter and preventative marking. It’s easy for a Coach to work when the team is this attentive.”
Andre Silva has been almost entirely ignored in recent weeks, with Patrick Cutrone or Nikola Kalinic starting, but Gattuso opens the door to the Portugal international.
“Silva might start tomorrow, we’ll see what happens. Suso defends and attacks, we expect a few more goals, but he is helping the team and I am happy. Cutrone can do anything and has this desperation to score goals, so he mustn’t lose that enthusiasm. He brings determination, grit and vehemence, so we need him.”