In the 6th round of Group I of the European Group Stage of the World Cup Qualifiers, Italy defeated Norway 1-4 at home. After the game, Gattuso attended the press conference and talked about this tragic defeat and the team's preparations for the play-offs.
Why can our opponents be three times faster than us in the final stage of the game?
"I think this is not due to physical fitness. In the second half, we gave our opponents too much space. We opened up the defense in the first 30 seconds and allowed them to create opportunities. Then they started to play in the open field. Once they started running and changed their style of play, we entered the area they are good at. As a result, we were injured. This was not a physical problem."
Were we a little too aggressive in the second half?
"The way of organizing offense from the back is completely different. Fratesi no longer tries to open up space. We made mistakes in these areas, which is the most regrettable. We want to apologize to the fans, we must apologize to them today, and we must take responsibility. For me, today The game is very important. We faced a strong team. This game could have further stimulated our fighting spirit. But we failed. After encountering the first difficulty, we should not have performed so humiliatingly as we did today."
How big is the impact of the collapse in the second half?
"This is indeed worrying, and to deny this is to kid oneself. Now we have to meet in three months...It is obvious that we paid a heavy price today, and you cannot lose 1-4 in such a game. When you start to raise the standard, the opponent can turn around in 5 minutes The situation, the third goal pissed me off the most, but we have to look forward, we can't think that the opponent will never shoot, we have to react better than what we did today."
There were 70,000 spectators at Meazza tonight. Is the team aware of the need to defend this honor?
"Please believe that we are indeed aware of this. I would rather be hit by the fans with the ball. That kind of anger is the strongest. At the end of the first half, I was very satisfied with the team's performance and pleased with the enthusiastic support of the fans. Everyone understands that the fans love them deeply." This team, but just talking and not practicing is not enough now. Especially the people who come to see us play. I hope we can bring happiness to all the fans."
What needs to be improved from now on to next March?
"We cannot be timid and lose our cool as soon as we get the opportunity. We must improve in this area. Now, we are under great pressure because we have missed two consecutive World Cups, which cannot be ignored. But we cannot give up because of a little difficulty. We need to have more confidence in ourselves and not be too cautious even if we make mistakes."
Talk about Norway's direct access to the World Cup
"First of all, I would like to congratulate them on successfully qualifying for the World Cup. This is a team with very good physical fitness. When pressed, they will use the second point and physical confrontation to launch an offensive. They have seven players over 190 centimeters tall, and one player can not touch the ball for 50-60 minutes, but can score as soon as he touches the ball. Although the style of play is not gorgeous, it can always create a threat. This team has both Strong physical fitness and speed."
On Norway's changes in the second half
"No, they did not make any tactical adjustments. Maybe they tightened their pressing in the second half, which was the only change."
On responsibility
"As a head coach, I must take responsibility. After conceding four goals at home, an apology is the most basic. Then accept the reality, which is why I still believe that if we can improve the problems exposed in the second half, we still have a chance. Such mistakes will inevitably happen when it happens in the national team, because of the limited time, and that is why it is sad. But if this cannot be improved, will there be a situation like today when encountering difficulties? "
Will this team lack a leader?
"Having leaders is not enough. For us, the most important thing now is to stay united. What pisses me off the most is that from the first wave of offense in the second half, we lost our fluidity. This is not a problem of leaders, but a problem of confidence. Players are afraid of making mistakes, and we cannot play with this concern."
Can Chiesa return in March?
"I have said enough about Chiesa, and some of you know his situation. I know he is an important player with key qualities. But now these are discussions and he needs to feel comfortable. He and I are clear about each other's attitudes in our communication, and we will contact you again to see what the final result will be."