“STEADY GROWTH”

MILAN- This is what was said by coach Filippo Inzaghi in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's match away to Cesena:On Sunday’s away trip to Cesena: "Every point is important. We’ve prepared well and we know that in these type of away matches it’s always tricky. In Serie A no one gives anything away. We’ll try and play a great match."The coach responded to questions on individual players: "Bonera has been at Milan for 8 years. He’s a professional, he always trains well and with the coaches before me he always played. Stephan El Shaarawy is a brilliant player, I have lots of faith in him, with Juve he was cramping up and he has to get that sharpness back that he had against Lazio. During the course of the match there is always need for a player like him."More on individuals: "El Shaarawy and De Sciglio are two international players and I hope to have them at their best as they’re two top professionals in addition to two excellent players. Alex has been training with us since Thursday. However I have lots of central defenders available and I will find the best ones for tomorrow."There was a question about De Sciglio and this is what Inzaghi had to say: "De Sciglio has had some good games, not excellent ones but he knows that. I’ve spoken to him. He’s a very calm lad. Let’s give him time. He needs to get back to his best and by playing he will do so. Maybe he needs to adapt to playing on the left. I feel very calm about him."On Milan conceding from set pieces: "It’s years that something hasn’t been working from set pieces. We’re trying to improve on this. At Empoli we were lacking in concentration but this team has a spirit that leaves me with high hopes. We’re not the only ones to concede from set pieces. We’ve tried to resolve it in training. We’re not looking for excuses and we have to improve."A word about Inzaghi’s vision and the recent defensive frailties: "I don’t look at the opponents, I look at the training sessions and my players. We can’t put the blame solely on the central defenders when we concede. It’s the fault of the entire team."More from Inzaghi: "I hope that the pressure doesn’t go against the side. I try to put my players face to face with the reality which is that we have to improve a lot. However, we have to leave them free and calm to work because they’re players that need self-confidence but match by match we will grow. I can see their massive commitment during training."Inzaghi spoke about the situation in midfield: "We’ve got Essien back and we have an extra option which allows me to think about the best midfield line-up for tomorrow. We can’t throw away all that we have done after every performance. If you have something to say, take it up with the coach, but let’s leave the players alone as they come off the back of a tough year.”On the future of the San Siro: "I want to think about the match. I hope to fill the stadium with fans and as for the rest there are competent people who will think about the stadium itself."On Torres: "Fernando will play. He isn’t in the best of conditions because he comes off the back of an injury but he worked hard at Empoli and ran for 80 minutes."On the objectives for the season: "We want to do well and we have to set ourselves the goal of steady improvement. Right now we cannot think about the league table. However we’re Milan and we’ll try and compete for the European places that count."The coach was very firm in response to criticism of individual players by the press: “Everyone has a desire to fight for this shirt and so I don’t want to hear people being named as scapegoats, I don’t like these tricks. It’s too easy to take it out on one or two players."On Honda: "I believe he will play".To read what Inzaghi said to the Milan Channel then click here for comments on the President’s visits and about a possible change to the formation for the match versus Cesena.