Gattuso: We will try to qualify for the Champions League until the end

Gennaro Gattuso took to the mic prior to tomorrow’s fixture against Sassuolo. Coming off of a potentially dissappointing draw against Inter, there was plenty to be discussed ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, including whether or not Rino considered the Rossoneri still in the hunt for Champions League football next season.

Milan sit six points behind Inter and will need to more than likely be perfect for the remainder of the season, should a top four finish be remotely a potential destination for the red and black.

In Rino’s pre-match press conference, he covered everything from Sassuolo, Champions League, Gigio Donnarumma, and Suso.

We are coming from two intense matches, in which we did better against Juventus than against Inter. We still have the same targets. We will try to qualify for the Champions League until the end. As long as it’s mathematically possible, we will keep fighting for all our goals. I do not see why we have to give up. We are a young team and we have to play every match with the highest motivation.

Sassuolo are a team who knows how to do things well. When they attack, they hurt you. They play a vertical football and we have to be very attentive. Tomorrow we have to think about playing well technically but it won’t be enough. They can trouble us easily, they are strong in defence and they can hit you on the counterattack at any moment.

The team must feel the danger around the corner, the boys need to be aware at all times that an error causes problems. We have to improve on this aspect, by working harder, technically and collectively. I have the impression that in the dressing room, my relationship with the boys is clear, sincere. I feel at ease. This has always been a very professional group. The more people criticise my players, the more I will give them opportunities to play.

Nothing has changed since the renewal. In football it takes very little, I lose three games and I’m out of Milanello. I feel more desire and more pressure because the Club gave me more trust and I’m aware that we still have to improve. The Champions League? We first need to secure our Europa League qualification spot. We also have to look behind us and avoid making mistakes.

Suso is doing an incredible job because he always combines well with the midfielders. Technically he can do something more but he gives us a very important balance. He plays as a leader and he is always available to the team. Donnarumma can do a lot more. He did important things in the few years of his career and he got used to it. Beyond some minor mistakes, I’m really pleased and have great respect for Gigio. At this moment neither he nor Suso are a concern. Bonaventura has unique characteristics to play in midfield. The players I have now are the best to me. Don’t expect a revolution next summer