AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf was in buoyant mood as
his side prepare to take on Serie A leaders Juventus this Sunday evening.
The Rossoneri have only lost once since the Dutchman took
over as coach, a 3-1 defeat to Napoli, and he is hopeful that the home support
will give Milan an advantage.
“We will have a packed San Siro behind us, just as we did
against Atletico Madrid. The lads really need it,” he told the press.
“It is also important to have all the players at my
disposal, as everyone trained regularly apart from [Mario] Balotelli and
Giampaolo Pazzini.
“Balo needs to be examined today [Saturday], while Mattia
De Sciglio and Pazzini are available, albeit with a bit of pain.
“Pazzini is more experienced than Balotelli and is
already a complete player, whereas Mario is still learning. Giampaolo’s
motivation is a guarantee.
“I think the trip to Sampdoria tested our maturity more
than this game. Samp were unbeaten in 10 games at home, whereas against Juve it
is an opportunity for us.
“This is my first Milan-Juve match as a coach. I feel
honoured and privileged to experience it at such a young age. For the team this
is the chance to put in a great performance, build confidence and help us face
the rest of the season in the best way.
“Antonio Conte has done a great job and I tip my hat to
him. Since winning the title in the first season, Juventus have only improved.
“When you win the self-confidence grows and players get
more accustomed to working together.
“I have never worked with Conte, but he certainly helped
to revive Italian football. I consider him a very positive influence, like
Vincenzo Montella at Fiorentina. I still have everything to prove and am trying
to learn quickly.
“Serie A is the toughest league in the world precisely
because every coach is well-drilled in tactics.
“In terms of players the level of individual stars
might’ve dropped because the money migrated elsewhere, but it’s still a very
high level.”
Culled from Forza Italian
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