Gennaro Gattuso admits “looking at recent performances, Milan aren’t favourites for fourth place, but football is strange” ahead of the showdown with Torino.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Securing fourth place now remains their only target for the campaign after crashing out of the Coppa Italia semi-final to Lazio on Wednesday night.
Gennaro Gattuso admits “looking at recent performances, Milan aren’t favourites for fourth place, but football is strange” ahead of the showdown with Torino.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Securing fourth place now remains their only target for the campaign after crashing out of the Coppa Italia semi-final to Lazio on Wednesday night.
“Tomorrow we will play for the shirt, the careers of the players and the entire Milan universe,” said Gattuso at the start of his Press conference.
“We have a lot to play for. We’re coming off a negative moment and the criticism we have received is justified. Tomorrow we’re up against a Torino side that has similar characteristics to Atalanta, so we need physical strength and sharpness. It is our duty to do better.
“In moments of difficulty, we have always shown soul, but at the moment that is lacking. You can play badly, but get out of the situation with heart and suffering. We seem to have got ourselves stuck in this situation now and absolutely need to find our soul again.
“I am not punching anyone, we just need to make sure everyone understands the importance of being united and doing something more. We have to think with one mind, not just look at our own little patch of land, but the bigger picture.
“I hear too much chatter about my future and that of the players, but enough is enough. We must think only of the future of Milan. We’ve got to prove it all out there on the pitch.
“At this moment, we seem to have switched off in every respect. Talking is meaningless at this stage, we need action and results. It’s not a physical issue, as we do still run, but it’s the mentality that has to change.
“Everyone knows what is at stake, nobody plays badly on purpose. Milan hadn’t been challenging for a Champions League spot for years, instead I hear people suggest we’re worthless. That’s not true.
“We have strengths and weaknesses, but these lads deserve respect and a negative period can happen. You can’t purchase leadership at the supermarket, go in and ask for €10 worth of leadership. It takes time, a journey and everyone is bringing their piece of the puzzle.”
It’s a battle royal for that fourth place, as Milan are level on points with Atalanta (ahead due to a superior head-to-head record), one point clear of Roma and two in front of Torino.
“Everyone will struggle in these final rounds and the Champions League spot will go to whoever doesn’t let go. Looking at recent performances and results, I’d say Milan are not favourites for fourth place, but football is a strange sport. We’ll do everything to remain united, clam up and do our duty. Then we’ll judge at the end of the season.
“We need to play Torino with guts, hunger and mentality.”
Gattuso also had little patience for the continuing questions over his future on the bench.
“You’ve been telling me since July that I am no longer the Milan Coach, it’s a different name every day in my job. At this moment we are not playing good football, we are struggling mentally and the results aren’t coming, but the team hears this sort of gossip every day and is now accustomed to it.
“I am disappointed with myself, because I expected to make more of an impact in the minds of my players. You can make technical mistakes, but motivation must never be lacking. I am more disappointed by myself than by my players.”