Clarence Seedorf sees similarities between his Milan side and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid and refuses to blame Serie A clubs for their disappointing results in the Champions League.
The former Netherlands international played 325 games under Carlo Ancelotti, winning the Champions League twice at Milan with the Italian tactician in charge.
Carletto is now targeting another final as his Real Madrid side will face Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League semis at the Bernabeu tonight. The first leg ended in a 4-3 win for the Premier League giants.
Seedorf believes that the current Madrid squad and his Milan side have a lot in common.
“The same blood had been running through our veins for eight years and, together [with Ancelotti], we reached the top of the world,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“Carlo’s teams have always been concrete. His football is made of simple and efficient tactical choices as well as heart, head and freedom to unleash the quality of his footballers. Even when Madrid were not at their best this season, they always showed these characteristics. They have always been a real team, like the Milan side that won the second Champions League [2007].
“We had quality, but we were also a united and motivated group, with an exceptional boss.”
Ancelotti has become the first coach to win the title in the top five European leagues. Will he manage to beat Pep Guardiola and reach the Final?
“I don’t know if anyone will ever equal his record. Ancelotti is a perfect coach for top clubs,” said Seedorf.
“Analysing tonight’s game tactically, I think Madrid must match City’s intensity, just like they did against Chelsea in the first leg.
“English teams are accustomed to playing at a high pace, but they take breaks sometimes and Madrid have the quality to make the most of these black-outs.
“That’s how they scored three goals in Manchester. The Bernabeu will push them tonight, it won’t be easy for Ancelotti, but it’s an open game.”
Liverpool are the first Champions League finalist, what does Seedorf make of the Reds?
“Liverpool were among the favourites and they didn’t fall short,” the 46-year-old said.
“They are in an extraordinary run of form, they are in the race for the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League after winning the Carabao Cup.
“They have a strong attack, a high defensive line and midfielders that support strikers. Jurgen Klopp has built a dynamic squad where even those who come off the bench have the right commitment.”
All Serie A clubs have been eliminated before the quarter-finals for the second successive season. Why are Italian clubs struggling in Europe’s elite competition?
“Clubs do not have the responsibility, the Government has it. Stadiums are fundamental to making teams competitive again. They must be allowed to build their own stadiums without waiting years and years.
“The mayors that continue to postpone decisions are harming the fans of their cities. It’s a miracle to even see Italians in Europe without the same stadium incomes as clubs in other countries.”
#Seedorf esclusivo: "Scudetto? #Milan e #Inter alla pari, ma #Pioli…" 🎙️ https://t.co/49qIGB5Ytd
— Corriere dello Sport (@CorSport) May 4, 2022