Gennaro Gattuso is happy to see his design for an effective AC Milan side taking shape but he admits there are still “holes to patch” before he can unleash the finished article.
The former Rossoneri midfielder oversaw an inconsistent start to the Serie A season in his current role as head coach but he has been afforded patience by the board and, ahead of Sunday’s derby meeting with Inter Milan, his team are third in the table after winning five games in a row.
Winning the Scudetto this term is not a viable option for Gattuso’s men, with leaders Juventus boasting a 24-point advantage heading into the weekend. Napoli, meanwhile, are six points away.
“Are you asking if I’m a tailor?” he said at his pre-match press conference. “Maybe I am, but one who hasn’t finished sewing his clothes, I still have some holes to patch. We are improving but I am not a perfect tailor yet.
“We need to focus on securing a Champions League place, our final position in the league table does not matter to me. We should keep our heads down and keep working.”
Gattuso said of the Barcelona academy graduate: “The way I see it, even the best player in the world should respect his team-mates.
“Respect for players and for those who represent them is essential – the locker room is sacred. I appreciate it when my players speak their minds to me in person.”
Joao Mario and Roberto Gagliardini will be assessed by boss Luciano Spalletti, who said on the eve of the match: “Can we finish ahead of Milan? They’re a strong team, which they’re proving right now, but our aim remains finishing in the top four.
“You can’t predict the Milan derby. What matters is how you play and the result will depend on that.”
