AC Milan head coach Marco Giampaolo has admitted that the three straight defeats have affected the morale of his players.
The Rossoneri head into Saturday’s game having lost four of their first six Serie A fixtures to start the campaign for only the third time in the club’s history, and the first time in over 80 years.
There is no doubt that pressure is building on Giampaolo despite it being so early in his tenure, and the game against the Grifone could prove to be decisive for his future, especially if another defeat occurs.
The former Sampdoria boss began his press conference ahead of the trip to Genoa with a frank admission.
“The defeats affect the morale of the players. Who thinks they don’t care about it?” he told reporters, via MilanNews.it.
“We have analysed our mistakes, we have looked at ourselves. We have implemented all those strategies to overcome the difficult moment. What we said remains between us.”
On rumours that he could be sacked if he loses against Genoa, Giampaolo gave a dignified answer.
“We must not think about individuals, but about us. Tomorrow is important for Milan. Individual interests do not count for anything.
“After four defeats in six games it is normal that it is all dark. Even in this case we must have balance, I do not think it is time to make definitive judgments.
“I know that the team has a lot of room for improvement, especially from the mental point of view. learning to do certain things in a certain way.”
On the drop off in performance against Fiorentina, he added: “It is not easy, only two days had passed.
“We were obliged to win, perhaps we had not recovered well. There can be different reasons. We work for not having certain setbacks. For me, balance is important.
“The players have to give their lives for the shirt, not for me. The team believes in my ideas. You have to be strong in defeats, you have to suffer and be attentive to details.”
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