Gennaro Gattuso told Milan to “imagine it’s a Champions League Final” against Benevento. “My methods are totally different to Vincenzo Montella.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Gennaro Gattuso told Milan to “imagine it’s a Champions League Final” against Benevento. “My methods are totally different to Vincenzo Montella.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This is going to be a battle. It’s true that Benevento have 0 points, but they have changed since Roberto De Zerbi took over. They are dangerous and have a strong mentality. We’re playing in a passionate atmosphere and I think Benevento deserved more against Atalanta and Juventus.
“We have to close our eyes and imagine it’s a Champions League Final, because that’s how important it is for us,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“It’s no secret I like to see a strong mentality, intensity and team spirit. We tried something new in training, but the three-man defence remains, and we worked on clear concepts.
“Every Coach I worked with gave me a great deal. Today it’d be easy to say I want to follow in the footsteps of Carlo Ancelotti or Arrigo Sacchi, but I prefer to say I just hope to do well and get good results.
“The objective since the moment I hung up my boots was to do this job. I didn’t imagine to do it within four years. When I left Milan, I thought my time had come and it was right to seek new experiences elsewhere. It was disappointing, but I felt the need to try new things.
“I felt perfectly at ease from the first moment I started the training session. There is tension, as I know we have everything to lose against Benevento and aren’t going through a good period of form, but since speaking to the players and the staff, I’ve felt calm, as I saw the right work and enthusiasm. We’ve got to prove it on the pitch now.
“What’s in the past is in the past. I want to clarify, my methodology is totally different to Vincenzo, it’s no secret. These lads are struggling a little in terms of intensity, but it’s not because they were trained badly, it’s just a different approach and methodology of training.
“We have to step up the intensity and mentality of the side. There isn’t much time to get to work, but results help you work in a more relaxed manner, make you feel more enthusiastic, less fatigued, it all helps.
“I spoke to Lucas Biglia. There are millions of talented players in Argentina, so it’s no coincidence if he is first choice in their midfield. Knowing his style of football, he can only do well when he’s in good shape and this season he has been courageous enough to play for the team even when he was carrying an injury.
“In that role, you need to use up a lot of energy. I spoke to him, as he is a fundamental player for this team, but his fitness levels have to improve.”
Gattuso was asked who in the team could be considered his heir as a player.
“In terms of characteristics, Franck Kessie is closer to what I was, but Leonardo Bonucci has leadership and charisma qualities. I hope there will be many leaders in the squad who can step up and help their teammates.”
That battling spirit went overboard at times, for example in his blazing row with new Benevento Coach De Zerbi.
“I’ve seen De Zerbi a couple of times and we cleared the air a long time ago. He’s not the first person I argued with – certainly not the first! – but it’s Benevento against Milan, not De Zerbi against Gattuso.”
Image via acmilan.com