Leonardo reassures Milan fans that they are on the right track with Gennaro Gattuso, but the 4-4-2 system is adjustable in future.

The director general sat down with RMC Sport at the Golden Foot awards to discuss the rebuilding of a club that went from Silvio Berlusconi to Yonghong Li and now Elliott Management.

“This is a less victorious moment in the history of Milan, but over 120 years this club has had more ups than downs, so the tendency should point upwards,” said Leonardo.

Leonardo reassures Milan fans that they are on the right track with Gennaro Gattuso, but the 4-4-2 system is adjustable in future.

The director general sat down with RMC Sport at the Golden Foot awards to discuss the rebuilding of a club that went from Silvio Berlusconi to Yonghong Li and now Elliott Management.

“This is a less victorious moment in the history of Milan, but over 120 years this club has had more ups than downs, so the tendency should point upwards,” said Leonardo.

“It’s normal for us to dream of the Champions League. I think that with the squad we have, it is feasible, and we are just three points off fourth place. We are also aware it won’t be easy to achieve that target.”

There had been reports after defeats to Inter and Real Betis that Gattuso could be replaced by Roberto Donadoni or even Leonardo himself.

“We can’t go around denying rumours on Gattuso every single time. Today Gattuso is the Coach of Milan and we want him to stay there, to win games and improve the team. We can’t always be talking about this.

“The only ones putting Gattuso up for discussion are outside the club. You forget that Gattuso, Paolo Maldini and I have a history together, which means we can always be clear and honest with each other.

“Let’s not forget we are the third most prolific side in Serie A and three points off the Champions League zone, plus we’re second in the Europa League group.

“The story of me becoming the Coach is another rumour I am forced to deny. I have chosen my career path and am very happy with what I’m doing.”

Milan have adjusted to a 4-4-2 tactic and Leonardo warns it might not be a permanent switch.

“During the season when a team is a work in progress, anything can happen. In different moments, a Coach must seek the right medicine to get the squad delivering again.

“We started out with the 4-3-3, but always knew it was a side that offered us many alternatives and variations. We also have players who can be on the wing or upfront, such as Samu Castillejo and Fabio Borini.

“Gonzalo Higuain has only two fewer goals than Cristiano Ronaldo, who is playing for seven-time title winners. That shows his undoubted quality and Higuain is a very important reference point for us.”

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