Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf has praised the role played by club President Silvio Berlusconi at San Siro.
Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf has praised the role played by club President Silvio Berlusconi at San Siro.
Ahead of the Rossoneri’s crunch Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, the Dutchman paid tribute to the healthy relationship he enjoys with the former President of the Republic.
“We have a very supportive President,” Seedorf said at his pre-match Press-conference. “He listens and speaks, he is an intelligent man and he knows how football is played.
“The President is very knowledgeable about the evolution of football, he likes the idea of playing with two attackers.
“I on the other hand like four or five! At the moment we have two, Pazzini and Balotelli.”
The Dutchman is relishing taking charge of his first ever Champions League game tomorrow evening and says the support of Rossoneri fans could be critical to his side’s chances of success.
“It is emotional, but it really is about living for the present,” he explained. “Maybe tonight I won’t sleep.
“I can’t wait to experience the Champions League as a Coach, then I’ll be able to tell you more about it!
“Everyone is going to treat this match as a special occasion.
“Everyone wants to take part and win and I expect a great atmosphere at San Siro like we have always had.
“The team is coming into the game in good shape, against a very good team.
“We will look to give our best and try to get the best possible result.
“The team has grown gradually since I arrived. The Champions League is a special competition where so many other factors have to be taken into consideration.
“I am satisfied with what we have done this week to prepare for the match.
“Our fans are always with the team, during this match they will be the 12th man.
“These are the nights that players dream of experiencing when they are children.
“We have the belief we can win, but it will be difficult.
“There is no way it will be decided tomorrow, there are two matches to play.”
The Coach then commented on the condition of Kaka.
“He’s still not at his best physically. We are assessing him and we hope he can recover.
“But if not we have other solutions.”
Finally, Seedorf assessed his team’s opponents.
“Atletico are very strong and we must respect them a lot.
“They have had two defeats against Real Madrid. They are an organised outfit and I have great respect for them.
“Diego Simeone has had a great journey as a Coach, I congratulate him.
“I wish him all the best, though not tomorrow and in two weeks time!”