IMPORTANT STAGE
2/15/2010 4:50:00 PM
Ahead of the fascinating match against Manchester United, coach Leonardo and English superstar David Beckham talked during a press conference at Milanello to talk about tomorrow night's opponents.
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(on the photo, made today at Milanello, Leonardo and Beckham during the press conference)
MILANELLO - Here are the declarations made by coach Leonardo and David Beckham in a press conference today at Milanello ahead of Milan-Manchester United:
COACH LEONARDO:
ON THE DECLARATIONS OF ALEX FERGUSON REGARDING PATO'S IMPORTANCE FOR MILAN
"I have read the declarations of Mr. Ferguson, but I didn't hear them directly, so I'm not sure in what context Sir Ferguson said them. In the past I was with him at a Uefa reunion and we talked about that: I know what he thinks and I think he just gave his honest opinion."
ON ALEX FERGUSON
"I have a lot of respect for a coach like Alex Ferguson because I think he is a symbol: he's been with the same team for many years, he has class and he has a fascinating way of presenting himself."
ON THE ANTI-MANCHESTER UNITED TACTICS
"The two teams know each other well, not just because of the matches recently played between them, but also because we keep studying each other. I think I know Manchester United. Ferguson's team is coming off a difficult period, they had many injuries which they have slowly recovered and they're a compact team that restarts well. Milan have their own characteristics and tomorrow night they'll have to maintain their own play.
Each game presents itself differently, the Champions League is played with home and away games and it's different from the league. We have 180 minutes at our disposal to decide this phase. Not conceding goals is an objective for Milan, but Manchester United are a team that always tries to score. Milan will have to find the right balance between not conceding goals and trying to hurt."
ON THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE 'OLD MILAN' AND THE 'NEW MILAN'
"There is no 'new Milan' or 'old Milan'. In situation like tomorrow night we need everything: this team has all of that: it's a new Milan with many players who have won a lot. Milan are an expert team, which has won a lot and this year we've managed to show good football, with great technique. Now is the time to give everything since we've come to a decisive stage of the season.
Will tomorrow's match be a test of maturity? We are subjected to tests every day: tomorrow's match is a very important stage for Milan's season, as well as for many players. Also those who have more experience will have a chance to confirm their high level."
ON MATCHES AGAINST GREAT TEAMS
"There are different moments throughout a season. For example the match in Madrid came at a difficult time and we managed to take out everything we had inside, it wasn't just a question of pride and the teams' characteristics. When matches of this level come along we are facing teams who play on the same level and there are situations which exalt us."
ON DAVID BECKHAM
"The club has always been clear on their intentions with the player. Personally I wanted him to return. Beckham is very important in the dressing rooms, not just for the experience he has gained in the clubs where he's played, but also because he's a player that has charisma and can give his contribution to this group."
DAVID BECKHAM:
ON MILAN'S CHARM
"Obviously, for me, it's really nice to play in this club, one of the best in the world. It's not important against whom we play, but the atmosphere that can be felt inside this club. For tomorrow night's clash we are ready. Thinking about the past matches between Milan and Manchester United, there have been easier wins, other times more difficult ones, but for tomorrow we are ready."
ON THE SENSATIONS OF THE CLASH AGAINST MANCHESTER
"Surely it will be a very exciting game for me. Seeing here at Milanello the English press makes me happy, they are all good lads, they always supported me and I take the opportunity to welcome them. In these seven years after I left Manchester United, tomorrow night's match will be the first one against Ferguson's team as opponent and I will do my best so that Milan wins. Unitedare a great team who possess strong players, they know how to hold the ball. Rooney is a key player of this group. Milan must maintain the game, we will also need a bit of luck, but the important thing is that Milan wins this clash."
ON THE ABSENCE OF KAKA AND RONALDO IN THE TWO FORMATIONS
"I think that when a club loses two players of the calibre of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, the squad always feels the difference. We are talking about the two best players in the world. However, Manchester United is still playing well and has overcome the departure of the player, the same thing can be said about Milan. Any club who loses such important players, must find the way to overcome their departure."
WHAT CHANGED FROM THE MANCHESTER UNITED TIMES
"Seven years have passed since I left United, I thought that I would have stayed there for my entire career, but instead I already changed three clubs. Returning to Manchester for me is evoking many memories: differently to seven years ago, today I have more experience, both as a person and as a player. Playing in various club always brings more experience."
ON ALEX FERGUSON
"In my years at Manchester, there have been nice and not so nice moments, but for me Ferguson was like a father."
IF YOU HAD TO GO ON THE PITCH TOMORROW EVENING AGAINST YOUR FORMER CLUB
"I don't know if coach Leonardo will play me. The important thing is that Milan obtains the win and that we play well. Being part of this fascinating match is like being part of football's history."
ON AN EVENTUAL GOAL AGAINST MANCHESTER
"In the case that I would score tomorrow evening against United, I will not celebrate because I have great respect for the fans of Ferguson's squad."
ON HIS OBJECTIVES WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM'S SHIRT
"I came to Milan not only to have a chance to play in the world cup. In the case that coach Capello decides to call me up, I would be happy, but I don't expect to go."
'Van de Milan-spelers ben ik het meest bevreesd voor Seedorf', zei Rooney vooruitlopend op de confrontatie tegen Gazzetta dello Sport. 'Hij is waarschijnlijk de beste speler tegen wie ik ooit heb gespeeld.'