Monday 19 January 2015 10:56, UK
AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi has taken full responsibility for his team's slow start to the new year.
The Rossoneri lost 1-0 at home to Atalanta on Sunday to suffer a second defeat in their last three league games.
Their latest setback dropped Milan to eighth in the standings, seven points adrift of third-place Napoli, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
"Until a short while ago we were competing with Roma and Napoli. But I didn't get ahead of myself then and I won't get down now," Inzaghi told his club's official website.
"I take the blame and we will try and turn the whistles into cheers."
Much was expected from Milan after they ended 2014 on a high note, beating Napoli 2-0 before holding Roma to a goalless draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
However, the Rossoneri, who are not competing in Europe this season, have collected just one win in their last six league games and Inzaghi knows his team must react.
"Everything is up for discussion when you lose," he added. " We have to understand what isn't working and find a solution.
"It's not a question to do with the formation, but rather playing with heart and desire. We have to wake up quickly and get back to doing what we have been doing.
"I am calm but at the same time disappointed. I don't like to look for excuses or who is to blame. It's down to me to turn the whistles into applause."
Inzaghi was unimpressed by his team's display against Atalanta, a game which drew their lowest crowd of the season to the San Siro.
Milan travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face fifth-place Lazio on Saturday and Inzaghi expects an improved performance from his players.
"There were 30,000 people and we have to do more," Inzaghi said. "We have many fans and we cannot play like that. We have to roll our sleeves up."
"Saturday we have a big test, that if we play with the right attitude, can go well," he said. "I have to give everything to get the team back to playing how they did against Napoli and Roma.
"The situation is not dramatic, but we have to turn things around. With work and desire we will get back to what we were before. I feel very supported by the club.
"I go forwards with my convictions, ideas and desire. The team follows me and we have to turn things around quickly. We're seven points behind third place and we have to try right until the end."
