Gattuso 'not building anything' at AC Milan

The in-form Rossoneri are on track for a return to the Champions League, but coach Gennaro Gattuso will not allow himself to look long term.

Published : Feb 21, 2019 20:43 IST

AC Milan head coach Gennaro Gattuso
AC Milan head coach Gennaro Gattuso
lightbox-info

AC Milan head coach Gennaro Gattuso

Gennaro Gattuso says he is "not building anything" at AC Milan despite an improved run of form restabilising his position at the club.

Gattuso's side is unbeaten in six games in all competitions and sit fourth in the Serie A table, occupying the league's final Champions League qualification place.

Despite the Rossoneri's strides forward under his leadership, reports of Gattuso being replaced have been a regular background presence throughout his reign.

Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte have both been linked with the San Siro club but Gattuso is ignoring media chatter and staying focused on his work week by week.

"At Milan I'm not building anything, we just have to prepare the games that are coming, one at a time," Gattuso said. "Today nothing can be planned, football has changed. There are so many unknowns. Ten to 12 years ago it was more difficult for a player to leave.

Read: Alessandro Del Piero rules out coaching stint in near future

"So we have to focus on what we have to do. We are in good hands, [Paolo] Maldini and Leonardo know how to move on the market: they have taken two important players like [Krzysztof] Piatek and [Lucas] Paqueta.

"I do not go so fast with my head. I am one who touches reality with my own hands. Today I have to go through the results and the daily work, as it is for my players. In my path I do not have these kind of thoughts, I think only of the next game. I have to give my best and put those around me in the best conditions.

wenger-croppedq722vgd8rih713ffre5h7tsx5jpg
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also been linked to the AC Milan job.
 

"I do not want compliments, I have to thank only the team that is doing important things. At this moment, as well as before, I read little. I have to continue, I think I can do this job and I do not need to be told that I'm good.

"I know what I can give in a group and we will continue. They slaughter coaches who have won as much as [Jose] Mourinho, [Carlo] Ancelotti and [Massimiliano] Allegri..."

Also Read: Bonucci rejected Real Madrid for Juventus return

Milan hosts Empoli on Friday, with Giuseppe Iachini's team only a place above the relegation zone despite an eye-catching 3-0 victory at home to Sassuolo in its last game.

But even though Empoli has not won away from home all season, Gattuso warned Milan it cannot afford to be complacent as it seeks a third straight Serie A win.

"I am very worried about tomorrow," he added. "Empoli have a coach that prepares well, combines technique and defensive organisation. Easy games do not exist. We must not underestimate the opponent.

"We must be very careful, because Iachini is incredible in the preparation of the matches. Empoli know how to dribble and go vertically, on the set pieces they know how to play well. The game will be difficult tomorrow."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment