Antonio Conte complimented Clarence Seedorf and Milan, admitting he didn’t expect Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus to win tonight.
Antonio Conte complimented Clarence Seedorf and Milan, admitting he didn’t expect Juventus to win tonight.
Seedorf said after the 2-0 result at San Siro that the only way to stop Juve is with a tank.
“We hope we never cross paths with it! Today we met half a tank, as Milan played an excellent game in every aspect, were very enthusiastic, kept the tempo very high in the first half and had numerous chances to score,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We did well to make the most of a good combination in attack. In the second half we adjusted tactically and suffered less under pressure, controlling the situation and we could’ve added more goals.
“Compliments to Seedorf and this Milan. Let’s not forget under my tenure we’ve always had huge problems at San Siro, never winning here before.”
The Bianconeri are now 11 points clear, albeit as Roma have a game in hand, as the Giallorossi and Napoli were held to draws.
“Now to get this victory when I was afraid we’d lose points compared to the chasing pack, but instead we gained an advantage, is remarkable.”
Milan had dominated the first half and Conte admitted he didn’t expect to go into the break 1-0 up.
“In the first half the defence wasn’t working very well, as we were spread too wide and Milan kept finding Pazzini behind Pirlo. My objective was to at least hold on to the 0-0 at half-time before making tactical adjustments in the locker room.
“Carlos Tevez is the kind of player who gets more fired up the more passionate the game is. He’s a fiery person and brings the best out of himself in difficult situations.
“Fernando Llorente was also extraordinary tonight, as he caused the Milan defence a lot of problems. I am very happy, as in seven days the different strike pairings all did well. I need the whole squad for this season and am getting comforting responses from everyone.”
Juventus have 11 points more than at this stage last season and Conte had particular praise for Leonardo Bonucci, who performed a crucial goalline clearance.
“Let’s not forget these players have been consistently on, especially Bonucci who had to play more than expected due to injuries for Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. I want to thank him in particular, as it isn’t easy to be at that level so regularly.
“Paul Pogba took part in the Under-20 World Cup and only had 15 days to rest this summer. He played regularly due to Pirlo and Marchisio injuries, so at his age it’s inevitable there will be a slight dip in form at Juve’s level. He is doing very well, he still needs to grow and knows full well as long as I am in charge he’ll have a carrot on one side and a stick on the other.”