Gennaro Gattuso praised the Milan comeback to beat Dudelange 5-2 in the Europa League, but had pointers for his players too.
The side from Luxembourg had been leading 2-1 at San Siro after equalising in the first half.
“After their equaliser, the fear set in, but the game had been approached well until that point,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Gennaro Gattuso praised the Milan comeback to beat Dudelange 5-2 in the Europa League, but had pointers for his players too.
The side from Luxembourg had been leading 2-1 at San Siro after equalising in the first half.
“After their equaliser, the fear set in, but the game had been approached well until that point,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“There is no such thing as an easy game. Dudelange know how to pass it around, they don’t have good stamina and it shows in the number of late goals they concede, but they can cause you problems as long as they’re in the game.
“It’s tough to play smoothly when making so many changes. Just look at Tiemoue Bakayoko, who struggled at the start of the season because he wasn’t playing regularly. Now others are experiencing the same thing.
“It was important to win today and we reacted well when going 2-1 down, as the team wouldn’t stand for it. We pushed hard. I knew we’d struggle tonight.
“I liked Jose Mauri and I had thought of starting him, but changing three out of four midfielders might’ve been a bit much. It’s a pity that the crowd jeered Andrea Bertolacci, as we need everyone.”
There were five goals – two of them scored by Dudelange players – but none for Gonzalo Higuain, who was available because his two-match ban only applies to Serie A.
“I think his back was troubling him. He didn’t say anything, but I just got that sensation. He lives for the goal and played through the pain.”
Patrick Cutrone was on target with his fourth goal in as many Europa League games, but Gattuso was not impressed by Alen Halilovic’s first start.
“Cutrone has to keep scoring and improving his technique. He can do better and must retain that fire in the belly, that desire to be stronger. Nobody can doubt his passion, but his technique needs work.
“I didn’t like the way our wings moved today. Halilovic could’ve passed it, but instead he always tried to dribble and keep the ball. We often read these situations badly.”