MILANELLO – Filippo Inzaghi spoke exclusively to the Milan Channel after training today. Here were the coach’s thoughts ahead of Sunday’s Serie A match against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.
Consistency is the key according to the coach: “We must look forwards and start off from the good things that we did against Roma. It’s imperative that we give continuity to our results and our performances. I would be upset if we didn’t do this tomorrow. When we want to be, we’re compact and there is an identity to our game, even against top sides like Roma. We’ve understood our errors and we want to see those improvements against Sassuolo. Everybody wants to play well against us. We hope it is a good match and we have to win at all costs.”
On team news: “We are missing players through injury tomorrow, but to build for the future we cannot rely on individuals, but rather, the playing system. We welcome back El Shaarawy. Abate’s and Bonera’s 200 matches for Milan are prestigious milestones. El Shaarawy’s 100th appearance as well (should he feature versus Sassuolo, editor’s note) are all very important things.”
The coach continued: “For the youth sector and for Italy, it’s a source of pride to see the Italian youth sides doing well. Congratulations to Juventus for reaching the final of the Champions League and to Napoli and Fiorentina. It can be a good sign for our domestic championship to get back to the highest levels. Juventus showed they are a team, let’s hope we can go back to those levels. We have enjoyed lots of great moments. We have to be happy for all the times that we enjoyed success with President Berlusconi. In these moments, it’s only through work that we can go back to being at the top in Italy and the world.”
It’s a case of feet on the ground after defeating second place AS Roma last week: “We cannot get ahead of ourselves after the Roma match and we have to be consistent with our performances and our displays. Sacrifice and taking our chances is what is needed. The squad want revenge, I can see it in their eyes. I hope that this is the response out on the pitch tomorrow. The players want to give a good display. These players have to keep a tight hold of this jersey. We’re on the right track, but we must keep it going.”
Closing comments: “Menez? A coach has to move away from thinking about individuals and think about the overall playing system. Menez has had an extraordinary season, but the team against Roma played very well and it was an important response from the team.”