AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has claimed that he does not feel under pressure despite reports he could be sacked if he does not win against SPAL.
The Rossoneri are without a win in five games in all competitions, and haven’t scored a league goal in 379 minutes.
This led to reports suggesting a bad result against SPAL on Saturday could be curtains for Rino, and the boss admitted there are deficiencies with his team.
“There’s a lot of disappointment, we’ve fixed the defence but now we can’t score,” Gattuso told reporters at Milanello in his pre-match press conference.
“The biggest frustration with Frosinone is how we approached the game, we need to be aware that we had a disastrous December.
“We have the chance to finish the first half of the season on 31 points, Milan have only managed to do that once in the past few years.
“The players don’t have to think about my future, I feel confidence from the directors even if it’s normal that we need results. I need to think about what’s good for these players.
“I want to keep working, I haven’t been here to mess around in these last months. There’s a desire to continue this path with the lads, we’re in a negative period but I’m not thinking about my future.
“I thank those who have given me this chance. Even if things were going well I’d always be under pressure, the important thing is to guide the team.
“My future is today and preparing for the match tomorrow. After that we’ll see what happens.”
Gonzalo Higuain is without a goal since the end of October, and it has been reported that he could move to Chelsea in January, however Gattuso believes he will stay at San Siro.
“I want to see the Higuain of the second half against Frosinone – that’s Higuain. He beat his man, he had chances and then he got things slightly wrong when shooting.
“He’s struggled a bit after the missed penalty and red card against Juve. I don’t want to hear talk about a sale, it’s up to the club and his entourage. As long as he stays here we’ll need him.
“This year he’s dribbling more than last year, he’s had the same number of touches, but what’s lacking is a goal.
“After the red card there was the sensation that he wasn’t good on a physical level, but that’s not the case, he’s fine.
“I think he’ll stay here, if the opposite happens then I’ll have made a mistake but from what’s been said I think he’ll stay here.”
Gattuso also expanded on comments he made to MilanTV regarding the racist abuse suffered by Napoli’s Kalidou Kouliably from Inter fans.
“I’d say yes, it’s right to have that courage,” Gattuso replied.
“If someone has the courage it’s easier for everyone, but it’s not just our country – I’ve seen bananas thrown in other civilised countries.
“Then if 50,000 people cheer, no-one will hear these four or five idiots.
“Koulibaly is like a wardrobe, he’s very strong, and these chants are also born out of fear.”
