Leonardo gives Gattuso talk

Leonardo believes he can convince Gennaro Gattuso to stay with Milan, but warns he still has to “make tough choices.”

The midfielder has threatened to leave in January, most likely for Chelsea or another Premier League side, if he does not get more playing time.

“I always speak to Gattuso and we try to be clear with each other on all our feelings,” said the Coach.

“First of all we need him to be fit, then we can consider the games. He has been here for 11 years and it’s natural to consider your options, just as I did in my playing career.

“Gattuso was not in the starting line-up then because he asked to be, he was there because he deserved it. If everyone is fit, then I need to make tough choices. It’s not disapproval or marking someone a failure, it’s just a decision.

“He is in the same situation as Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini and more have been through. It’s normal that some big players will complain, but I think everyone realises what we are doing.

“My request to Gattuso is ‘get fit again as soon as possible and you’ll see things will be different.’ If he is determined to leave, then I will try to convince him otherwise.”

Meanwhile, Milan travel to relegation strugglers Catania.

“Many opponents change their systems to play against us, so I honestly don’t know how they will be set out,” continued Leo.

“Catania are fast, aggressive and dynamic, so we’ll need to be very careful, as their current position does not reflect their performances.”

Andrea Pirlo sits out a ban and Massimo Oddo is injured for six weeks, so there must be changes in the Rossoneri side.

“Pirlo is a key figure for the way we play now, but I also think everyone has what it takes to find an alternative. Characteristics may change, but the idea is to maintain the approach to football.

“As for Oddo, we have Ignazio Abate in that role and other options too, as both he and Gianluca Zambrotta can play right or left.

“Ronaldinho has found his way of playing and now I urge him to stay on that path.”