AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has sprung to the defence of beleaguered boss Carlo Ancelotti following a stunning attack on the coach by club president Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlusconi was quoted as blaming Milan's failure to win the title this season -- barring a spectacular collapse by Inter Milan -- on Ancelotti, claiming he had made many tactical mistakes.
But Gattuso, who has been out since January with a knee ligament injury, said other factors were involved.
"What the president says is law but I think we've had a few injuries which made a difference, and Inter deserve the title," he said.
"We've spoken about it in the changing rooms but we're not sure if the president really said those things.
"If he did then these are club issues. But I know that Ancelotti is well regarded here and he wants to stay."
Ancelotti has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Chelsea all season long despite having another year to run on his contract.
Berlusconi's words were reported in La Reppublica but they have not since been confirmed nor denied by the club, with vice-president Adriano Galliani claiming it was not his place to comment on his boss's statements.
Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice and Serie A once in his eight seasons at the helm.
{{/usCountry}}Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice and Serie A once in his eight seasons at the helm.
{{/usCountry}}Gattuso played for Milan in a friendly in Tirana on Tuesday night and could be close to a first team return.