No panic, says Gattuso
Monday 23 October, 2006 goal.com
Despite Milan’s disappointing start to the season, Gennaro Gattuso has denied that there is any panic in the Rossoneri camp.
The Diavoli slipped to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Palermo last night and now trail their city rivals Inter by 11 points, but Ringhio insists that they are still ready to fight for the title.
“We’re not playing brilliantly, but it’s not a crisis,†the ex-Rangers star insisted at the launch of his book ‘Italy 2-0 Germany: The Diary of a World Cup Month’.
“We can’t be accused of a lack of motivation. I’m 28 and I’ve won everything, but I don’t like it when people say that I’m not giving my all. It’s not true because I’ve still got ambitions.â€
Milan’s stars have looked a little sluggish at the start of the campaign, prompting suggestions that several of Carlo Ancelotti’s men are suffering from a World Cup hangover – a point that Gattuso accepts.
“You need to remember that Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Nesta and I have only had 10 days holiday and have been playing constantly since,†he stressed.
“However, without the Calciopoli handicap we’d have 12 points and be at least amongst the leaders and on track for the Scudetto.â€
For now the priority for Gattuso and his colleagues will be ensuring maximum points this Wednesday when they travel to the Stadio Bentegodi to face Chievo ahead of the weekend’s all-important Milan derby.
|