´Rookie´ Gattuso ready to take on Wenger in Europa League

Gennaro Gattuso has labelled himself “a rookie” compared to Arsene Wenger but is relishing the chance to lock horns with Arsenal boss.

Gattuso stepped up from the AC Milan youth team to lead the first team at San Siro following Vincenzo Montella’s sacking in November.

After initially struggling to get consistent performances out of the Rossoneri, Gattuso has turned their fortunes around in 2018 – earning plaudits from former star team-mates, including Andriy Shevchenko.

Milan welcome Arsenal in the Europa League on Thursday unbeaten in 13 games across all competitions, a run that has seen them reach the Coppa Italia final.

It pits Gattuso – who has only coached since 2013 – with the vastly experienced Wenger, and it is an occasion the Italian is looking forward to.

“It’s not a challenge with him, because in that regard it’s not a contest,” Gattuso said in his pre-match media conference.

“He’s won so much in his career, he’s been managing the same club for 21 to 22 years. My path is still very long.

“It will be an interesting match, with more of a new philosophy like mine against him and his experience. He likes to play a style based heavily on possession.

“I’ve been through games like this as a player, everything is different now. Compared to Wenger I’m just a rookie, I’m just starting and he’s been coaching for 30 years.”

Bonucci

Favourite centre-back in the #UEL? pic.twitter.com/390Ii4Z20t

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 6, 2018

While Milan are buoyant, Arsenal are in turmoil after losing four games in a row in all competitions – including the EFL Cup final against Manchester City.

Pressure is already beginning to build on Wenger at the Emirates Stadium but Milan will not underestimate their English opponents.

“Arsenal are not going through a positive period, but they have great players and have scored 18 goals in this Europa League,” he added.

“We have huge respect for them. We must give a top performance.

“We can’t make mistakes and we need to keep our composure. We must not be afraid of the 70,000 fans that will be at San Siro and show our qualities, both technical and physical.

“If we do that we can cause them a lot of problems.”