Bortolo Mutti does not think the focus for Milan’s visit to Palermo will fall on the performance of the referee.
Both the Sicilian side and their Saturday evening Milanese visitors were on the wrong end of some controversial refereeing decisions last weekend.
Bortolo Mutti does not think the focus for Milan’s visit to Palermo will fall on the performance of the referee.
Both the Sicilian side and their Saturday evening Milanese visitors were on the wrong end of some controversial refereeing decisions last weekend.
Striker Igor Budan echoed the feeling earlier in the week that the referee assigned for the game would fall under an added scrutiny to make sure nothing untoward occurs this weekend, but his Coach Mutti is not convinced the officials will be in the spotlight.
“I do not think there will be pressure on the referee in this game,” the 57-year-old declared on Friday.
“After the Siena game, we complained politely, then we have moved on from the disappointment, focusing on the challenge for tomorrow.
“Now there is the right temper for a certain type of attitude, although referees should accept certain complaints, but then both us and them start out in good faith of our work.
“We must face the team currently first in the table with a few problems, that is the most significant thing.”
The Rosanero look to continue a six-year unbeaten run against the Rossoneri at the Renzo Barbera possibly without a number of first-choice players, including the suspended Federico Balzaretti and injured Giulio Migliaccio, Eros Pisano, Matias Silvestre, Abel Hernandez and Armin Bacinovic.
Mutti’s side are currently in 8th position in the table, just six points off of the European places.
“I think the team has gained confidence. For a group like this, everything is new, we are currently in a good position in the table, despite the many changes.
“We cannot enter the minds of fans, however, we must to everything possible to warrant their attention.
“I believe that this team deserves to be followed, given the great things they have done over the last year in particular.
“Our objectives? Until we have reached a points total to guarantee survival, we cannot think of another goal.
“ I do not think of potential targets, because any time you run into a negative situation, it can open up something unexpected. We must aim for 40 points and overcome some of our limitations.”