Football
ESPN staff 6y

AC Milan CEO willing to open Gennaro Gattuso contract talks

AC Milan CEO Marco Fassone says he has been impressed enough by the performance of coach Gennaro Gattuso that he is willing to open contract negotiations.

After a shaky start upon replacing Vincenzo Montella, Gattuso has led Milan to five straight Serie A wins after Sunday's 3-2 victory over Chievo, while his side are also unbeaten in their last 10 league games.

And despite their recent exit from the Europa League at the hands of Arsenal, Fassone said he and sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli would pursue a new deal for Gattuso to return next season.

"We are very pleased with his work," Fassone said. "Mirabelli was so convinced about him that I could not refuse to support him.

"Now he has gone beyond expectations and we'll surely find the right time to speak about his contract.

"I was expecting Rino to be like this, but I am impressed with his ability to manage the games. Important achievements await him as a coach."

Meanwhile, Gattuso spoke about the omission of forward Nikola Kalinic, who was not included in the squad after for failing to give his all during training.

"I have 25 players and the rule is the same for everyone," Gattuso said. "During the two hours of training they need to put everything into it. I want to see professionalism and commitment on the pitch.

"Whoever doesn't train well stays at home. Every match we are playing for something important, for us all matches are fundamental."

^ Back to Top ^