From Europe to Italy: there will be less space, but the real problem we need to solve is that we need to be faster. We have to move better and move the ball around quicker. - ANCELOTTI'S PRESS CONFERENCE –
MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti's press conference ahead of Milan-Parma began with a question on the reactions to a video of Ronaldo's injury: "That's in the past now". Then the discussion verted on the whistling and Paolo Maldini's worries about the fans: "In this moment the situation - the Milan coach said - at San Siro is certainly not very pleasant, we are disappointed that we are missing the support which we consider very important. The final part of last season went so well also thanks to a wonderful atmosphere which surrounded the team. Our Captain said some very true things yesterday, it's important to feel the support of your fans, there's nothing more to add to what Paolo said yesterday. I hope the team and all the players are spurred on in the right way, while for Gilardino it's only a matter of time, he always struggles a little at the start of a season, he will find back his verve and the goals will come later as always. He has no physical problems, but he has to learn to isolate himself mentally during a match and do what he does during the trainings. He scored 35 goals for Milan in these first two seasons, if he can keep this average up we can be satisfied, as I said it's normal for him to struggle at the start."
Then on Milan-Parma: "It will be a different game compared to Tuesday, the spaces will be more closed, but our approach will have to be the same. At Siena we did not play to our levels, but that wasn't because the players who were on the pitch had played less, there is no Milan 1 or Milan 2. I only think there are some players who are more in condition because they have played more, while others are not as in form because they have played less. The fans? I hope that from tomorrow the public will be the same as always. Parma? They are starting to find their identity, they are a bit inconsistent, but they are young and there are some interesting players who can create problems. Tomorrow the unavailable players will be Maldini, Ronaldo, Serginho, and Digao. But we will put out the best formation and a victory would be very welcome. In the Cup we did well and now we have to make up for our two missteps in the league. For all the big Italian teams winning the Champions League is the primary objective, that's natural, I think also Inter's president said it recently and it's probably the same thing for Roma, but right now it's too early to make choices. The two missteps against Fiorentina and Siena were caused by a lack of time to recover properly from the energies spent, there were no psychological problems.
Other themes: "We have more difficulties in the league because we know we are playing games that will be very locked up, but we have to solve this problem through our speed and our movements. Speed is important, the faster you are the better, and the movement is important to have the ball circulating well. Kaká? He has no problems, he's doing fine. I don't know if tomorrow we will play with two strikers. Mancini-Spalletti? I'm just an observer and I won't make any judgements. At the moment we have to improve in defence, and especially improve our aerial game. This problem penalised us at Siena, as they opponents were able to bring the ball to our area more often. Mourinho? Against Rosenborg, I thought Chelsea were better than on other occasions, they had the same problems we had at Siena after the Norwegian team's goal. But they played a decent game, in any case I don't think that Mourinho's sacking had anything to do with that particular match. Now Chelsea are a very attractive team for coaches who are out of work at the moment, they're an excellent team, even though I'm already worried because now Mourinho is being linked with my job (laughs). When we met at Kiev, Shevchenko did not mention any problems with Mourinho, and in general it's never the performance of one player who determines the departure of a coach."
Then he talked about Pirlo: "I think Andrea now has much more consistency and maturity compared to past years. The great esteem his qualities are held in by his team mates and opponents stimulates him even more, I think by now everyone acknowledges he is a very important player. Even when they mark him closely, his past as a playmaker behind the strikers allows him to know how to find space for himself. Inter? In Europe every game can throw up big surprises, especially away from home, and against teams who on paper don't seem very dangerous but turn out to be very strong on the pitch. Inter were overwhelmed by this impressive performance of the Turkish side, which effectively has more Brazilians than Turks. The Golden Ball? Personally I think that Maldini, Kaká, Inzaghi and Pirlo are all worthy of winning it. I won't make a graduatory, but for me they all deserve it and I'm sure one of them will win it. Ambrosini? In the final part of the season his return gave us more consistency and balance in midfield, his presence was fundamental for our results. Personally I'm very happy because we found back a great player. A year ago we had different thoughts about him and so did he, but as often happens in a short time things changed completely for him."