Vincenzo Montella warned Milan fans not to expect too much this season, including transfers, as “our objective is to become a team.”
The clash with Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Torino kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It is very emotional for me to be sitting here in the same seat where many winning Coaches in the history of Milan sat,” noted Montella in his Press conference.
Vincenzo Montella warned Milan fans not to expect too much this season, including transfers, as “our objective is to become a team.”
The clash with Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Torino kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It is very emotional for me to be sitting here in the same seat where many winning Coaches in the history of Milan sat,” noted Montella in his Press conference.
“Now we are playing for the result and to show off the fruits of the work we’ve done until today. The friendlies against Chelsea and Freiburg reflect the best of the work we’re doing with the lads.”
It’s reported the Rossoneri have sold only a record low 10,000 season tickets so far, as enthusiasm is rock bottom.
“Milan fans are right to be critical over the last few years. Via sacrifice and a sense of belonging the team needs to have, we’ll try to bring the fans closer to the team, because they can be important for us.
“There are certainly stronger squads out there, but the important thing is that we have self-belief. I think my players are better than they believe themselves to be.
“We need to set credible targets. We need to get into the Europa League, because Europe is Milan’s home. Our primary objective must be that.
“My personal objective is to create cohesion. Our objective is to become a team where everyone celebrates together for a goal.
“It is particularly important that everyone has to work for the good of Milan, and when I say everyone I also include the fans. These lads need confidence, results and performances to reach victory. I want to see the necessary ferocity to get results in modern football. It takes more than technique to achieve a win.”
Torino have reinforced over the summer and have Coach Mihajlovic, who was sacked by Milan in April.
“Torino have changes in terms of personnel and system. Sinisa is able to pass on his temperament to the team. His work was the starting point for mine, because he did leave something good behind at Milan. We need to match Toro in terms of determination and then bring in our superior quality.
“Do I fear Mihajlovic’s anger? If he’s angry tomorrow, it means he’s lost, so I’ll risk it! The fact Mihajlovic knows Milan could be an extra problem for us, but then the players know how Sinisa things too.”
Milan fans remain downbeat at the lack of transfer activity, but Montella warns it was on the cards as the Chinese takeover won’t be completed until November.
“I certainly knew what the economic possibilities were at the club. Nothing happened that I wasn’t already expecting. When choosing players, you have to consider the budget at your disposal.
“Naturally, I also asked for Andre Iniesta, but he wasn’t available… Jose Sosa is a midfielder who plays in space and makes vertical runs, so is an attacking figure.”
While there aren’t many new arrivals, Carlos Bacca and M’Baye Niang remain at Milan.
“Bacca works for the team, even off the ball, as he did the same with Unai Emery at Sevilla. Naturally he doesn’t play a decisive role in building up moves, but he is lethal in front of goal.
“In my view Niang has all the characteristics to become a great player on a European level. Naturally he lacks consistency throughout the 90 minutes, but he’s trying to become a champion and I think he’ll do it.
“He needs to refine many elements, but I believe he has opened up his mind to new possibilities.”