A last-minute penalty save from Pepe Reina helped the Rossoneri to all three points away to Genoa on Saturday as their coach remains under pressure
AC Milan coach Marco Giampaolo says the club must 'never bleed in front of the sharks' after coming from behind to beat Genoa 2-1.
“The game was difficult,” Giampaolo told reporters after the game. “We went underwater and then in the second half the team pulled out their heads. The pressure was so great, the team was good.
“The praise I give to the boys is that of not giving up anything. The important thing was to give a character response.
“I wanted the team to come out head-on. Never bleed in front of the sharks.
"This game had to be played by the most responsible players, then it was right that the lighter ones came in. Many are talented players who must mature, that will be my task.
“The fact that the team is very young is indeed affecting us. It takes time and you learn to play even under pressure.”
Giampaolo arrived at San Siro after spending three years in charge of fellow Serie A side Sampdoria, and says he expected a difficult challenge before he took on the role, with Milan legend and technical director Paolo Maldini warning the coach upon arrival.
“Even Paolo Maldini told me that it was not easy to play at the San Siro when things were not going well," added Giampaolo.
“This is a very young team, perhaps the youngest in the league. I liked the spirit tonight and that's the only thing I asked for.”