Shevchenko Credits Gattuso For AC Milan Improvement

By Max Wise

Andriy Shevchenko believes AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has improved the fortunes of the seven-time European champions by giving them a new identity.

Shevchenko and Gattuso played together at Milan for several seasons which culminated in the pair winning the UEFA Champions League in 2003.

AC Milan have seen their stock drop in recent seasons, going through a number of managerial changes and failing to win the Serie A title since the 2010/2011 season.

The Rossoneri have failed to qualify for the Champions League in the past four seasons, whiles their Europa League campaigns have proved to be just a sojournment.

Their performances have been better this season, particularly in the second half of the campaign as they recently embarked on a five game winning streak in Serie A before losing to city rivals Inter Milan last week.

Shevchenko, who now manages the Ukrainian national team, has been wowed by Milan’s improvement and has credited Gattuso for the turnaround.

Talking to Tuttosport recently, Schevchenko said: "I will give him a high rating. Rino has brought enthusiasm back among the fans, but above all he is proving to be a very skilled coach, he is developing a great job.

"Milan has a precise identity. It was a long time since they fought to go to the Champions League. Gattuso has many merits, along with Maldini and Leonardo. Too bad for the derby, which could also have ended in a draw.

"Who qualifies Champions League? Behind Juventus, I see Napoli, Milan and Inter. "

AC Milan currently lie fourth on the Italian Serie A table with 10 games of the season still to play.