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Gennaro Gattuso gave some quotes to the media today, and perhaps the best one was about who he would like to see improve next year.
#ACMilan Coach Rino Gattuso says he expects more from both himself and his players next season...https://t.co/zBuCtcqtPg pic.twitter.com/JrnwI9Nm3x
— footballitalia (@footballitalia) June 2, 2018
When asked if in any player in particular needs to improve next year, Gattuso said:
From everyone. Performing well isn’t enough.
We need to raise the bar from the very first day of pre-season. To do that, we need desire and not to be happy with what we have.
I expect more from myself and from whoever works with me because we have made some mistakes.
We need to improve too.
Refusing to single out anyone is a sign of a good manager. It would do him no good to trash any players in the press, even ones that might be leaving, because his opinions on those matters are between him and the players and shouldn’t be shared in public, and especially not to be broadcast all over social media or newspapers. There is a time and a place for motivating a player through the media, but the off-season isn’t it.
It’s also encouraging to see him take some of the blame himself, because another sign of a good manager is someone that takes responsibility for the team. If the team doesn’t perform, it’s ultimately up to him. A lot of other managers would happily throw someone under the bus or say that the players need to improve, but that doesn’t build loyalty.
Gattuso is saying all the right things, so will next year be better?
On to the links.
AC Milan and Italian Football Links
A look back at the season that was in Serie A. [Football-Italia.net]
Rino Gattuso talks about what kind of player he’s looking for in the transfer window. [Football-Italia.net]
Roberto Mancini thinks that his young Italy squad needs support from the fans. [Football-Italia.net]
World Football Links
The United States lost 2-1 to the Republic of Ireland. [Stars & Stripes FC]
Scotland lost 1-0 to Mexico. The scoreline flattered the Scots as Mexico carried most of the play. [ESPN.com]
Meanwhile, at the Toulon Tournament in France, the Scotland U21s beat South Korea. [BBC.com]
England beat Nigeria at Wembley. [BBC.com]
A look at the week that was in news about Club Tijuana in Liga MX. [FMF State of Mind]