Marco Giampaolo has revealed his motto for Milan after being unveiled as their new Coach. “Heads up and play football.”
Giampaolo spoke at a Press conference for the first time since succeeding Gennaro Gattuso in the Milan hotseat, and he believes he has ‘earned’ the opportunity.
“I’m truly honoured to coach Milan, a glorious club with a very important history,” he began.
Marco Giampaolo has revealed his motto for Milan after being unveiled as their new Coach. “Heads up and play football.”
Giampaolo spoke at a Press conference for the first time since succeeding Gennaro Gattuso in the Milan hotseat, and he believes he has ‘earned’ the opportunity.
“I’m truly honoured to coach Milan, a glorious club with a very important history,” he began.
“For me it’s a great opportunity, I think I earned it with the sacrifices I’ve made in my career and now I have to bring everything back on to the field.
“You learn from your mistakes. It’s been a journey of ups and downs for me, I’m here today and I also believe I’ve arrived at the right age.
“I received Maldini’s call while I was on a boat. My friends and I were leaving for Croatia, but I had to give it up and fly to Milan immediately.”
The former Sampdoria boss was forced to restart his career in Serie C with Cremonese five years ago after several failed stints with Catania, Cesena and Brescia…
“I had the courage and madness of starting again in Serie C with Cremonese, with the aim of returning to Serie A.
“Milan’s call has made me a happy man, five years later. It’s a privilege for me. I’m ready to take up this challenge.
“It’s not revenge but rather a result of the attachment I’ve shown to my work. My motto is ‘heads up and play football’.
“I want our football to be appreciated and obviously supported by results. Milan must play for the highest objectives, but we must get there through planning.
“Everyone here must believe in our style of play. A precise mentality must be created. It’ll be a long journey, so that’s why it’s only right to go one step at a time.
“Without quality players, you can’t play good football. The important thing is to have an idea and carry it forward.”
The 52-year-old was then asked about Suso and a possible reunion with his Samp protege Dennis Praet.
“I need to get to know the current crop of Milan players first. I’m sorry not to have more available, partly because of the international break and partly because of injuries.
“Before moving seriously in the market, I still need to understand which of the current crop I’ll focus on. We need players who suit our style.
“Suso’s a quality player and I really like players with quality. He can do almost anything. I won’t focus on our formation but rather on which players can form part of our squad.
“I rate Praet, but I don’t know if he‘ll come because we’re covered in his position. I don’t know what’ll happen in the future.
Andre Silva is back at San Siro following the expiry of his loan spell at Sevilla, but does his return come at the expense of Patrick Cutrone?
“They’re different players in terms of characteristics, and I have to assess them. They’re certainly good players and I have to understand who is more suited.
“Donnarumma’s a very good player. I don’t often ask for shirts from my opponents, but during my first season with Samp I asked for his.”