MILAN- On Saturday, Filippo Inzaghi faced the press ahead of Sunday’s Serie A match at home to Empoli. This is what was said by the coach.

Opening comments: “The priority at the moment is to give Milan an identity again with its playing style. I know that asking for patience from the fans isn’t easy as they have already been very patient, but if we want to get back on track we need to have patience. Empoli are no longer a revelation or a surprise, and to beat them we must play very well. They have been able to pick up draws away to some big teams, they have played very well, but we’re Milan, we have home advantage and we cannot drop any more points. We have tried to prepare the match well just like we do every week. We know their strengths and we will try and make the most of our qualities. I hope that those who come to watch us see us playing good football.” 

Inzaghi continued: “It’s not right to look at the league table at the moment, we need to play with some of the convictions that we showed in the last match. At the end of the year we will then see where we finish. If we give performances worthy of Milan, then we can win every one of the next 16 matches. I believe that with the new signings, for which I thank the President and the CEO Galliani, we have improved and there is everything in place to do well. I am happy that we have the same ideas on football (speaking about the President, editor’s note). Let’s hope we can take Milan back to the levels the fans want and also our President. Menez has also played well as a main striker. As I always say, there is no winning formation. You have to believe in what you do. We have two playing formations, playing with two strikers has given us some positive responses, and now it is down to me to evaluate the 11 players that I believe are in the best form.” 

On January addition Mattia Destro “He has an excellent attitude, he trains very well, he’s a smashing lad but I don’t want to load him with responsibilities that put excessive pressure on him. I need to make the most of his characteristics, but I haven’t forgotten about Pazzini who has also done well. I believe in the abilities of Destro and I believe that having players like Menez, Bonaventura and Honda playing close to him can be of help. Cerci was on the way to an excellent condition, but he has been out for a couple of days because of a minor knee problem and so I can only use him for 30 minutes because he hasn’t trained much. We have De Jong back and Montolivo will be ready again on Tuesday. I want the players to do well because I would like their work during the week to be rewarded. The criticisms don’t worry me because I am strong to fight against everyone and everything. I am sorry for them though (the players, editor’s note) and so I hope they can do well. Result aside, I think that we played well in Turin.” 

The coach commented on the team’s position in the league table: “We have to be fuming with our position in the league table, but you only come out of tough moments with work and desire. The fans have been very patient, but they know me and they know about the desire I possess to do well and so I will give my all. At the end of the 90 minutes we will be ready for the jeers or the applause if we deserve it. The compliments for Sarri (Empoli coach, editor’s note) are right and deserved. Certainly the experience that he has is something that I am missing and that will come with time. If De Jong is okay tomorrow he will play. I want us to get back playing well and from that the results will come. Tomorrow represents a launching pad to continue with confidence in the following matches. We are ready to give an excellent display.” 

Inzaghi commented on the differences between playing and coaching: “I am even more in love with football. Compared to playing there are more pressures, but I feel like everyone wants the best for me and I am sure that with work and consistency we will come out of this situation. Niang does not surprise me (on loan at Genoa, editor’s note). I believe a lot in him. We made the choice because we had other options, but he knows that I believe in him. We are missing El Shaarawy but we have Suso and Di Molfetta, who I know well. Honda’s fitness is improving and he is ready to play.”