Riccardo Montolivo says that whilst he is grateful to Max Allegri, Milan ‘needed a jolt’, and that replacement Clarence Seedorf will ‘become great’.
Riccardo Montolivo says that whilst he is grateful to Max Allegri, Milan ‘needed a jolt’, and that replacement Clarence Seedorf will ‘become great’.
The Rossoneri made the managerial switch in January and have since seen form in Serie A take an upturn.
Ahead of this weekend’s home clash with League leaders Juventus” data-scaytid=”8″>Juventus, Montolivo has reflected on how it was a necessary step.
“In recent months, the atmosphere at Milanello was not as serene, the team needed a jolt,” explained the midfielder in today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I am grateful for Allegri has given me so much and he wanted me at Milan.
“Seedorf is a Coach who is very communicative, he is attempting to get all his concepts across and in the most direct way possible.
“Cohesion and even balance within the group are the aspect which he is looking to more.”
Seedorf has overseen a formation change to a 4-2-3-1, where he has spoken of looking to introduce six attacking players on to the same field.
“If the interpretation of the formation is that which we saw in Genoa [away to Sampdoria last weekend], that’s great.
“There are a few problems, however, if the midfielders are distinctly offensive.
“Going from three midfielders to two completely changes the way you play. Beyond this, when a Coach changes then the atmosphere is given that shock, and right now the difference is in that.
“Seedorf is destined to be a great Coach, with an important career, but he has just started – we need to give him the chance to go wrong.”
Montolivo considered the weekend challenge against the Old Lady.
“Against the Bianconeri was probably the most beautiful day since I have been at Milan. Last year at San Siro, when Abbiati was ruled out, I found the captain’s armband on my arm. It was the first time.
“We need a victory against a big team, for reasons relating to the table, but also for our self-esteem.
“And with Juventus it is the right night in which to do it.
“We know that we have the capability and quality to play a great game and to cause them trouble.”