AC Milan problem bigger than me, says defiant Gennaro Gattuso

MILAN: Gennaro Gattuso insisted he would not quit after the former European heavyweights fell to a another defeat, a 2-0 loss to Atalanta at the San Siro on Saturday.

"If I thought that I was the problem, then I would resign immediately. But that's not it," said Gattuso who took over last month.

"I'm the least of our problems."

Chinese-owned Milan slipped to 11th position in the Italian league -- 21 points behind leaders Napoli -- and away from the European aspirations of their new Asian owners.

"Insults, I deserve more than the players. I am the captain of the ship, I make the choices, without pressure," Gattuso said.

He added: "I will never resign, I am at the disposition of the club."

Milan's training retreat after last week's shock defeat by Verona had little effect on Gattuso's stumbling side.

"Once we went behind, it turned into an uphill struggle," said former Milan player Gattuso.

Bryan Cristante opened the scoring after 32 minutes for Atalanta with Josip Ilicic scoring the second on 71 minutes.

"What we are doing is not enough, we must become a team. We lack determination, hunger and grit. I also think we should stop making comparisons with the past. I see a team scared and worried," added Gattuso.

Gattuso's side next play Inter Milan in a potentially fiery Italian Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday, with their city rivals also reeling after a second consecutive defeat.

"We don't have time to let our heads drop or create excuses, there's Inter in the Italian Cup and we must face it with the greatest dignity," said Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli.

"'Rino' is a great man, a great coach. We knew that we were facing a lot of problems and he lives Milan to the full, caring so much about this side.

"During these difficult times, it's important to be men, stick together and work to get the ship back into the harbour safely."