(IN THE PHOTO: press conference at Milanello) 
MILANELLO – Cristian Brocchi previewed Bologna-Milan in a press-conference on Friday. This is what the coach had to say: 
"Last week we trained well and we have done the same this week. The players have worked hard and with the right desire and with the right attitude, especially in the more intense training sessions. I have got the responses I was looking for. I hope they can now repeat this in tomorrow’s match. The draw last week was disappointing, but the players didn’t give up. After going two goals down, we started the second half with a completely different approach. The team reacted well and we very nearly won the game. I don’t evaluate things purely on my instinct and the result. We have looked at the positives and negatives as well as the aspects we need to work on. I want a positive approach right from the first whistle versus Bologna. The players appeared up for it before the game with Frosinone, the signs were all there, but that ultimately wasn’t the case. Last week our pre-game training session started off slowly. This week however we started off at a million miles an hour. I hope it is a positive sign. "Only those who are observing us up close can judge the job we are doing. The results influence opinions. The President knows this. Putting aside the criticisms to emerge from the last game, there were positive signs. A 3-3 draw at home to Frosinone is not good enough. But if you look at the stats, you cannot deny that the team did good things. We want 6 points from the next two games. We limited Frosinone to just 4 shots on goal so you cannot say we aren’t capable at the back. The players want to qualify for the Europa League. There is no doubt about it. Based on the determination and listening to the comments from the players, I cannot think anything but that. The players are either actors or I have to believe in their words and assess their actions. "I never thought this job would be easy. However for me it is an exciting, satisfying, emotional and unique opportunity. I am taking it all in my stride. It’s not easy to coach in Serie A. I am looking ahead with determination despite the criticism because I love this club and am doing all I can. I cannot stop the critics, but I will continue doing my job. I have spoken to Donnarumma and told him that I will give him a slap if I see him down! There is no footballer on the planet who hasn’t made a mistake in his life. He is calm and grounded. Despite his fame, he has not changed. I hope he keeps this quality and continues on his path. A half error cannot blemish the qualities that this lad has. "Menez has a slight back problem and during today’s training session he felt discomfort and so it’s better that he rests up. Calabria appeared a bit down to me. He hadn’t played for months. It’s only natural and right that a player that young looks to play. After a first difficult week however he seemed happier. He has the right attitude and I hope he puts in a good performance tomorrow because he deserves it. The criticism motivates me. I am really charged up and I have to pass on this motivation to the players. "Tomorrow is the acid test for the team. I am the coach and I will always protect my players providing they show determination and desire. I have to get the best out of them. Bertolacci picked up an injury versus Sampdoria. Bonaventura has played a lot this season and he now has an injury he is trying to shake off. Abate doesn’t have a muscular injury. Menez has been carrying this back problem all season. Antonelli scored after coming on last week, but he then got hurt."Honda carried out what was asked of him last week in the right way. I then brought on Luiz Adriano to try and get back into the match and to bring on a striker to attack the space behind the defence. I think it was the right move. At the moment we cannot play with a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 because Bonaventura is out. We will make do. We have tried a 4-3-1-2 and now we are also working on 4-3-2-1. The formation however isn’t the key factor, but rather how you approach the match."