Abate: “Every year we are here saying the same things – that’s unacceptable, Milan can’t settle for sixth”

Ignazio Abate has told his teammates to play with more determination as he’s tired of saying the same words year after year after year.

It’s been almost 5 years since Milan last won the Scudetto and they are heading towards yet another season with no Champions League football.

After two positive months, the Rossoneri lost to Sassuolo last week and today could only rescue a draw against Chievo and Ignazio Abate, who captained the side today, asks his side for me. “The match? We started badly with a low tempo and tried to be more aggressive after the break. Evidently that’s not enough,” Abate told Sky Sport at the end of the match.

Our problems? I am angry, because every time we are here saying the same old things. We drop points by the wayside against teams that are well within our reach. If you don’t put determination, hunger and ambition on to the field, you’ll go nowhere. Now there are nine difficult games and the Coppa Italia Final with Juventus to play. Every year it feels like we are here saying the same things and that’s not acceptable.

“This team cannot afford to play without running or showing determination. We can’t settle for sixth place, otherwise we risk losing that too. We must honour the jersey and spit blood for the team.”