Gennaro Gattuso admits Betis “destroyed us” in the Europa League, but Milan are “not dead and buried. I want to see 23 rabid dogs” against Sampdoria.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
You can watch the live stream on Eleven Sports in the UK & Ireland at 5pm on Sunday October 28, 2018. It’s available on mobile, online and via connected TV sets. Click here to watch now!
Gennaro Gattuso admits Betis “destroyed us” in the Europa League, but Milan are “not dead and buried. I want to see 23 rabid dogs” against Sampdoria.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
You can watch the live stream on Eleven Sports in the UK & Ireland at 5pm on Sunday October 28, 2018. It’s available on mobile, online and via connected TV sets. Click here to watch now!
“Sampdoria have a solid defence, conceded only four goals and work very hard. We must do well to create problems for them and pin them back. They’ve got a great Coach in Marco Giampaolo and are so well-organised,” said Gattuso in his Press conference.
The Rossoneri are fresh from two consecutive defeats to Inter and Real Betis, putting the Coach under pressure.
“We are coming off two smacks in the face, but we’re not dead. I am not dead and buried, some of you still have to understand that. It hurts when there are defeats, but I know how much I can still give to these club colours.
“The other day, we didn’t manage any of the things we’d prepared and that’s the regret. I want to see a side with character and the desire to fight back, because it can do so much better.
“I have to analyse these performances and figure out why we’re playing with the handbrake on. We’ve got to find something more on an individual level.”
Former President Silvio Berlusconi again criticised Gattuso’s system and the Coach confirmed he has been experimenting.
“We tried out both a three-man defence and four, line-ups with two strikers, with the 4-3-3, with the 3-5-2. We’ll see tomorrow which direction we go in.
“At the moment, we’re not enjoying our football. We just suffer and need to rediscover the fun of playing, moving the ball around and chasing opponents down.
“No more alibis, we all have to take responsibility and need everyone to do something extra. If we always find excuses, we’ll get nowhere.
“I don’t want to make comparisons with Inter, but don’t forget where they were on December 27 2017 after the Coppa Italia defeat to us. After that loss, it took them months to get back on their feet, but look at them now.
“Sometimes the smacks in the head help you to grow. If we win tomorrow and win the rescheduled game with Genoa next Wednesday, then we’ll be in the Champions League places. We must continue to believe in what we’re doing, even if I already hear some jeering at San Siro.”
That was certainly the case during the Europa League defeat to Real Betis and Gattuso isn’t surprised.
“Considering the way it was going, I thought it could end in a goalfest for them. Betis destroyed us in terms of quality and it was a huge disappointment to me, but I never stopped believing in these lads.
“It’s the whole team that isn’t working and that means Gonzalo Higuain doesn’t get the service. Having said that, I told him that he needs to be less irritable and should applaud his teammates rather than shout at them.
“I think there is too much talk about this situation, as if I’m the only Coach in the world who is on the edge. I know these lads believe in me, and we are struggling badly, but I put myself on the line for them.
“Tomorrow I want to see 23 lions with a sense of desire and belonging to this club. I don’t even care about the tactics, I just want to see 23 rabid dogs eager to prove themselves. I want to see everyone with Patrick Cutrone’s energy, vehemence and passion.”
Milan are likely to be without Franck Kessie due to a knee injury, while Hakan Calhanoglu is also a major doubt.
“Kessie was already in pain during the derby with his ankle and the collateral knee ligament, so we’ll see tomorrow. Calhanoglu got a bruise to his foot against Inter and now can’t even pull his boots on.
“We’ll see if Tiemoue Bakayoko plays. The other day, he won back four or five good balls, but the problem is he then passed them straight back to the opposition. He is going through a lot of difficulties, we need to be patient and work out what his problems are.”