Clarence Seedorf says Milan can’t make mistakes in today’s derby and explains why Suning ‘hasn't abandoned Inter.’
The former Inter and Milan midfielder previewed today’s derby in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport where he also claimed there aren't equal opportunities in European football.
Clarence Seedorf says Milan can’t make mistakes in today’s derby and explains why Suning ‘hasn't abandoned Inter.’
The former Inter and Milan midfielder previewed today’s derby in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport where he also claimed there aren't equal opportunities in European football.
“Being table leaders is always better. If you make mistakes, you’re still there, if you’re second there’s no room for mistakes,” Seedorf said.
“However, both teams have so much confidence that today’s game does not change much, they are still very close.
“An episode may decide the game, but derbies are won with emotional balance, with the courage and the personality needed to impose your game and your strategy. Players must be happy to play this kind of game,” the former midfielder added.
“Milan must always think about the Scudetto. It’s a normal thing. Look at the other leagues in Europe. Atletico are the La Liga leaders, Leicester are doing a great season. How can Milan not be ambitious?
“It’s good to play the derby after the defeat against Spezia, provided they recover mental energies after their Europa League game," Seedorf explained.
“As for Inter, teams must be accustomed to be in all the competitions. Being involved in one only can be an advantage from the physical point of view. They can handle the players' recovery better, but never say never.
“If you are used to playing every three days, you never switch off. Bayern usually win the title in January and sometimes they don’t go all the way in Champions League.
“Inter sat second for the entire campaign, now they are the leaders. It means they are consistent.”
Do they depend too much on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku?
“A bit of mental dependence is natural because of their qualities and their performances, but both teams have a well-established identity that you can see also without them.”
The strikers will meet for the first time after their spat in the Coppa Italia Derby in January.
“I hope they have reflected, they are two giants of football, they have the responsibility to promote it in the best way.”
What does Seedorf make of Inter and Milan’s projects?
“Milan are ambitious again, the thing I like the most is that [Paolo] Maldini is back. He has the Milan DNA, he’s so ambitious he won’t talk about fourth place for too long.
“As for Suning, it's a serious group. I heard they want to sell, but they haven’t abandoned Inter, otherwise results wouldn’t come.”