Seedorf denies Ancelotti rift
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Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf denies he is at loggerheads with Carlo Ancelotti and gave a mixed reception to the potential arrival of Ronaldinho.
“I always respect Ancelotti’s decisions,” insisted the Milan midfielder. “I may not always agree with him, but I do give him my support. The players must do their best to give the Coach what he asks for.”
The former Inter and Ajax man has repeatedly been caught having a touchline argument with his tactician, but assures there is nothing rebellious about it.
“I always put the team first. I play with a clear conscience, thinking what is best for the squad. I can make mistakes, when I hear people say I am a ‘slow midfielder’ I tell them to ask my opponents what they think about my pace. I take praise and criticism equally, as I know I act in service of Milan.”
Nonetheless, there is still some tension between the two men in terms of tactics, above all the recent switch back to a Christmas Tree formation with Kaka as support striker.
“This side has always shown great character. I come from the Dutch school of attacking football, but with a combination of attack and defence Milan have done extremely well in recent years. When it is necessary, we must all adapt. I would like to play behind the strikers with Kaka in front, but Ancelotti always explains his decisions.”
The Rossoneri had their 15-match Serie A unbeaten run ended by rivals Inter in the 2-1 derby defeat last week, but ex-Real Madrid man Seedorf is confident they can get right back on track.
“There is a reason why Milan have been the most competitive club in Europe over the last five years. It’s that we all put the team as our priority – the complete opposite of what happened at Real Madrid.”
After Ronaldo’s arrival, the San Siro giants have made it clear their next La Liga target is Barcelona’s Ronaldinho.
“He is a friend of mine and I am his fan, so it would be wonderful to have him at Milan. The real question here is – do we need him or not? The choice is not up to me.”
Seedorf showed admirable fair play when asked to look back on their ‘failures’ this term, including losing both derbies for the first time since 1981-82.
“We went out of the Coppa Italia and lost against Inter, but these are acceptable defeats. You have to hold up your hands and admit when your opponent plays better. Our objectives remain the same, though – third place in Serie A and the Champions League Final.”
my guess
Happy Birthday to Clarence Seedorf !
