Milan problem bigger than me, says Gattuso

MILAN: Gennaro Gattuso insisted he would not quit after the former European heavyweights AC Milan fell to a another defeat, a 2-0 loss to Atalanta at the San Siro on Saturday.

“If I thought that I was the problem, then I would resign immediately. But that’s not it,” said Gattuso who took over last month.

“I’m the least of our problems.” Chinese-owned Milan slipped to 11th position in the Italian league — 21 points behind leaders Napoli — and away from the European aspirations of their new Asian owners.

“Insults, I deserve more than the players. I am the captain of the ship, I make the choices, without pressure,” Gattuso said.

He added: “I will never resign, I am at the disposition of the club.”

Milan’s training retreat after last week’s shock defeat by Verona had little effect on Gattuso’s stumbling side.

Bryan Cristante opened the scoring after 32 minutes for Atalanta with Josip Ilicic scoring the second on 71 minutes.

“I also think we should stop making comparisons with the past. I see a team scared and worried,” added Gattuso.

Gattuso’s side next play Inter Milan in a potentially fiery Italian Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday, with their city rivals also reeling after a second consecutive defeat.

“During these difficult times, it’s important to be men, stick together and work to get the ship back into the harbour safely,” said Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli. AFP