Interview with Leo on Don Balón, translated by me.
Following the example of Pep Guardiola, Milan has hired one of their ex-players as they're coach. Leonardo comments about his new work in one of the most select teams in the world.
- Did you have any problem at getting your coach license? It’s been said that you passed your test at the last minute.
-There’s 3 levels in relation to the license to coach, the third one gives the right to coach teams at the maximum level. I reached the second level, but I used a new normative, according to which if an aspirent for coach, in a position like mine, participated in a World Cup he can coach a club of the level of Milan.
eek:, not a big fan of this).
-And since you won the WC in US 94’ with Brazil…
-That’s why there was no problem.
-We could say that you have taken the responsability to coach a Milan that is under construction. Some of the key players, like Maldini and Kaka, have left the ship.
-It’s true, we’re constructing a team, but that’s no excuse for us to not fight at for the biggest goals for this season. A club like Milan is always looking to win titles. For 8 years under Ancelotti this team won everything that’s posible.
-We’re in front of a new era for Milan, isn’t it?
-It’s clear, and it’s normal that it is that way. Many of our players will continue in the team and I’m happy for that, cause that way we keep a style and a characteriscal image.
-With Kaka far from the San Siro, you’ll be waiting for Ronaldinho to wake up. Do you believe he still can go back to be one of the best players in the world?
-I know Ronaldinho very well. I know that last season he didn’t offer all he could to the team and I know that he can do better. We’re talking about a player of incredible talent, one of the best in the world. It’s clear that I’m going to help him to get back at his best. His only is 29, so he has a lot of years to play at the top. I’m optimist in regards of his future in Milan.
-How do you judge David Beckham’s performances in the team?
-It was very positive. It was a great experience for him and all of us. We build a true friendship. Now he is back at LA, but we’ll see what happens in the future.
-Would you like him to go back to the team?
-Everything is possible. Anyways, during the friendly we played against Galaxy, he didn’t behave too well with us, because he played very good…
-Do you have in mind any other signing?
-Milan has a group of excelent players, but if we could get a WC player we’ll be very satisfied. We’re not in a hurry, we’re not pressured in any way. It will be good if we signed any other player, but if we don’t, I can assure you there’s no problem.
-Which is the priority of this season, Serie A or CL?
-The truth is that we can’t choose between both of the competitions, we have to be prepared to fight in very strong competitions in Serie A and CL. It’s clear that we can’t lose touch with the best clubs in Serie A…
-Like in the last 2 seasons…
-Yes. We want to fight for the championship. Of course Inter will go on as favourites, but we can do things much better than in last season.
-And which are the objectives for Milan in CL?
-We’ll do the best we can there.
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