Andriy Shevchenko thanked Milan fans for their ‘fantastic welcome,’ but could not deny his position at Genoa is tenuous. ‘I work one day at a time, then the club have to announce their decisions.’
The Grifone had taken the shock lead at San Siro through January signing Leo Ostigard’s header on a corner in this Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie.
Olivier Giroud got the Rossoneri back on level terms and forced extra time, which was when the hosts took control with a misplaced Rafael Leao cross into the far top corner and Alexis Saelemaekers finishing off the Theo Hernandez run.
“We played well, the lads put in a lot of effort and also quality. I thought it was a good performance, one with substance,” Shevchenko told Sport Mediaset.
“We tried to create chances and control the game. I am naturally not very happy with the result, but the performance was good.”
There had been multiple reports before the match that Shevchenko would be sacked regardless of the result and he did seem emotional being back at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where the Milan ultras greeted him with banners and chants.
“I am always happy to be back here at San Siro, the welcome was fantastic and I thank the Milan fans. I also wish to thank the Genoa fans who came here to support the team.”
With January transfer window signings, Shevchenko was asked if he felt reassured, but the coach could not disguise the tenuous position he has been put in.
“I do my work one day at a time. I am 45 years old, I am still young and gaining experience. Life is ups and downs, winning and losing, I go forward and we are focused on the project.
“The lads did well today, we are slowly seeing the quality come out with work in training.”
Does that mean Shevchenko will be on the Genoa bench for the next Serie A game?
“As far as I am concerned, I do my work on a daily basis. The club will then have to announce their decisions.”