AC Milan vs Cagliari preview - Mexes wants Milan to hit back
Posted Friday, March 20, 2015 by PA
AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has urged his team-mates to stand up and be counted ahead of Saturday's home match against Cagliari.
The Rossoneri have collected just two wins in their last 12 Serie A games.
Monday's 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina dropped Milan to 10th place and piled further pressure on coach Filippo Inzaghi, who replaced Clarence Seedorf in the summer.
"Our only focus is to win on Saturday," Mexes told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We need everyone to row in the same direction.
"There are still 10 games remaining and everyone has to deliver."
AC Milan are running out of time in their bid to qualify for European football next season.
The Rossoneri are 10 points adrift of Sampdoria, who are sixth and hold the last European qualifying spot.
"We need to hit back," Mexes said. "There are 33 points still up for grabs and must take all of them.
"To play in Europe next season is our main objective and it's still possible.
"Milan cannot be another campaign without playing in Europe."
The Rossoneri have given away four goals in their last two league games.
Cagliari travel to the San Siro still looking for their first win since Zdenek Zeman returned to guide the team earlier this month after the dismissal of Gianfranco Zola.
The Sardinians are without a win since January 24 and last weekend's 1-1 draw against Empoli left Cagliari in 18th place.
Cagliari are four points adrift of Atalanta, who hold the last position of safety.
"My only focus is on guiding Cagliari to defend its Serie A status," Zeman said. "Only together, can we all achieve this aim."
The Islanders have the second worst defensive line in the competition with 50 goals given away.
Cagliari are without the services of defender Antonio Balzano, who is suspended.
The hosts are without nine injured players but welcome back midfielder Andrea Poli from suspension.
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