Carlo Ancelotti says:

[Aladino]

All Carlo's interviews and press conferances will be put in here.

PATO AND GILA: THE FUTURE
8/8/2007 5:09:00 PM
At the press conference today, Carlo Ancelotti spoke about Ronaldo, Gilardino, the transfer market and the next season. At Milan there’s space for all of the players in the squad and no one will complain. Yesterday Pato was happy.

MILANELLO – On the eve of the match in Sevilla, Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the Milan situations: “There are no huge problems. We only have Ronaldo and Inzaghi to recover. At Sevilla we shall use all the other players of the squad. Ronaldo will be available for the first matchday. Our last friendly will be on the 17th of August and we have no intention of risking. He took part in all trainings: it's a pity that in the moment where he could have found the condition for the matches, there was this mishap. It means that he will find the condition not through the matches but through training. Gilardino has been recovered, tomorrow he will play. For him it will be the first match following the surgery. He's already in excellent form, he had a very good recovery work."

Then the Alexandre Pato chapter: “Yesterday’s impact? He was disoriented but happy,” said the Milan coach, “He had many visits, many checkups, he saw all of the structure, he saw many photos; I took him to see the photos of our history. It was a long visit because now there are many photos of our victories…Despite the age, he is already very mature. He managed well these days of pressure. After all, the pressure here will be toned down due to the fact that he will be able to insert himself gradually. There will be all the time for him to get to know the environment and there will be all the time for us to get to know him. In January he will be able to play straight away. Pato has a normal physical structure. He’s over 180cms tall and weights 78kgs. He is almost 18 years old, therefore he can develop a bit further his body structure. In any case he is not thin. I hope he becomes a player we can count on for the next years. Amongst the attackers, together with Gilardino, he can represent the future of Milan in the long-term. In theory he could play with us already from today. He could easily prove also in this squad the characteristics he has already shown.”

Then the other points: “In this Milan in this season there is space for everyone. No one will complain because they don’t play much. The market? For me it’s closed and this is what the club things as well. Ronaldinho? Talking about him in April could have had a sense, but today, mid-August, I don’t think so. Our market? With Pato Milan made an excellent investment. Many teams wanted him, but the good name Milan has in Brazil convinced him to choose us. Whatever was needed to be done in the market was done. Gourcuff? Last year he started out well, then he lost a bit of consistency. This year he will surely have more space, I hope that he starts off well again and that then he is more consistent. I repeat, in midfield there is space and usually in the entire squad we have players who are multipurpose. We start off on the same level with everyone. Juve? They changed a lot and are coming from a difficult year. Surely, they have a lot of motivation. Its advantage is that it can prepare well all of the league games in the best possible condition. Maybe the problem could be the agreement at least at the start, because they have many new players, many of which are coming from abroad.”

great to hear that he thinks that Gila and Pato are the future. Nice, for Gourcuff I am sure he will shine this season and I can't wait to see him. While good to hear that Ronaldo is gettign back on track and if he doesn't get injured on the first day of the season he may be their for the European Supper Cup

[Aladino]

Ancelotti Forgiving After Betis Defeat

Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team lacked sharpness against Real Betis last night, but chose not to be too harsh with the players.


Milan were once against guilty of spurning their chances despite having Kaka and Gilardino on the pitch, and were made to pay when Mark Gonzalez converted a 47th minute penalty.

Betis then decided to shut shop and suffocate Milan, and succeeded in their efforts.

However, Carlo Ancelotti was calm: "It was a good test for us. In this period we are working a lot and it's normal that the team is not very sharp up front.

"Too bad about the result. There were a few mistakes made in defence, particularly on the goal, but in this period these mistakes are forgivable."

As long as we win the Supper Coppa Europea I am happy.

[barracuda]

Great thread idea Aladino

I'm glad Ancelotti isn't worried, but I'm starting to get a bit worried. The Monaco game isn't far away and we need to start scoring goals

[Aladino]

Thanks

I think we will be ok, Ronaldo should return by then and Gila would have had more match practise. Gila is gaining more confidence he said so in an interview today that the whole team played like they all had confidence in him which is great. He lives on the confidence of the fans. I think we will be ok. THe defense is reasonably ok, when Simic isn't scoring own goals, but our first team of Oddo-Nesta- Kaladze- Janku definitely kick ass.

Have faith, the players have all said it themsleves they are all focussed for Monaco and they will be very motivated for that game

[Aladino]

THE BEST CONDITION
8/13/2007 6:27:00 PM
Ancelotti spoke during the press conference: the Trofeo Tim will be useful to improve the condition. Inzaghi will be available, Ronaldo will be back after the Trofeo Berlusconi. Sevilla is a very dangerous team.

Transfer Market. “Emerson or Motta? They are both excellent midfielders, but for me the market is closed.”

Trofe Tim. “These are two matches, just like the Trofeo Berlusconi, which will help us to achieve the best condition. We are decreasing the workloads , we are starting to make more brilliant work, the squad is now aiming to improve and in this sense the matches against Inter and Juve will be useful. There’s the desire to play well, to do well. The result right now is the last of my thoughts. We shall play everyone. Inzaghi is recovered and he will be back. Ronaldo will have to wait after the Trofeo Berlusconi.”

In the pre-season friendlies, the Italian teams did not always do well abroad. “The foreign teams are doing a lighter preparation, they try to reach the best condition straight, they don’t give too much importance to the initial basis which is a strong point in the preparation of the Italian teams: the initial workloads are important, but obviously they tire the legs, therefore you go abroad and the teams run faster than you. The Italian preparation is meant for a medium-long term: the condition is reached later on and gives its results later.”

European Supercup. “The squad which will play the Supercup is more or less ready; it does not need to be tested. It’s a team we all know, it does not need any kind of automatism, and it’s only a matter of condition. Now we have these two games, then a week to prepare for the league and the Supercup.”

Sevilla. “It’s a strong team. Very aggressive, very quick. Very fearful. Compared to Liverpool, they have the same aggressiveness, the same order but more velocity and ability upfront. It’s a very dangerous team. A very complicated period awaits them, with the matches of the Spanish Supercup against Real, the preliminary round and the league, but we shall arrive on the 31st of August in a very good condition.”

Ronaldinho. 'Let’s wait. We’re here with arms wide open...”

Suazo. “No one has any criticism to make about him. He made a professional choice.”

Inzaghi. “He’s not at 100%, but he must start playing a bit at a time, to improve his condition.”

Giuly. “I agree, he was a very good purchase by Roma. For the characteristics of the team he will be very important”.

Before leaving, Ancelotti announced the two formations which will play tomorrow night. In midfield Brocchi, Gattuso and Ambrosini will play in one game; Pirlo, Gattuso and Gourcuff in the other. Kaka and Seedorf will play both games. In attack, Inzaghi and Gilardino will alternate. In defence, Oddo, Bonera, Kaladze and Favalli first, then Cafu, Simic, Nesta and Serginho in the second game.

Most random question about Guily, I wonder why they asked him that.

[Aladino]

After match commenst after the Trofeo Tim

A GREAT GOAL
8/15/2007 9:00:00 AM
Satisfaction for Gila, for the goal scored against Juve, and Carlo Ancelotti, for how the team played the two games: “Everything is going as expected.”

CARLO ANCELOTTI. Apart from the result, I especially liked the game against Inter: there was more construction of the game, more ball possession. These were two well interpreted games. The team is improving: everything is going as expected. Tonight I saw a good work by everyone. Each one of them made a step forward. Now we start to get serious. On the 17th there is the Trofeo Berlusconi, in which we want to do well. It will be a test for the league and the European Supercup. We are doing a very good preparation, both of quality and quantity.
Gourcuff? He showed a lot of quality, which is what characterizes him. And when he succeeds to simplify his game, his qualities emerge further.
We shall have to get used to the tight marking of Kaka…He’s a very dangerous player and he’s a great show for everyone, not just for you!
Inter is a team which knows us, Juve is already a team of a good level, the mechanisms will arrive with time.

ALBERTO GILARDINO. I’m satisfied about the goal and the result of the first game, and the way we played against Inter. It was important to score against Juve. It’s clear that with these current workloads we cannot be brilliant. For me, this is the first year since I’ve been at Milan that I manage to make a complete preparation. I have the will and I will give my best.
It’s difficult to judge Inter and Juve right now, but they are surely two great teams who will put the others in difficulty. Scoring a goal for an attacker is surely important. Tonight I managed to score and I’m happy, but I must still work more to arrive at 100%.

YOANN GOURCUFF. It was not easy to play against a good team like Inter. Physically it wasn’t easy because we have heavy legs. Right now in the preparation we’re starting to work on the speed. I’m happy about my preparation, but I must still work a lot. For me it’s also important to have everyone’s trust. I find myself quite well to play more forward with Seedorf, and Favalli behind; when there’s more movement upfront, for me it’s easier to play.
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[Aladino]

Ancelotti ready for rehearsal Thursday 16 August, 2007

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Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti considers the Trofeo Berlusconi match with Juventus an important test in view of the European Super Cup.

The Rossoneri, who already beat the Old Lady 1-0 in Tuesday’s Trofeo Tim, will host Claudio Ranieri’s side on Friday as they prepare for the August 31 match in Monaco against Sevilla.

“We have been working peacefully, partly thanks to our Champions League win. Things are going well,” announced Ancelotti in a Press Conference this afternoon.

“The match with Juventus will be the last one before the official start of the season, therefore it represents a general rehearsal, it will be useful to verify the team’s condition.”

“That is why I will field the side that will probably play in the Super Cup,” explained the former Italy international midfielder.

“I am not looking for answers from these men, they have already proved their worth, I just want to verify their condition. We have the motivation needed, we want to win these trophies.”

The ex-Juve Coach will have to do without Brazilian striker Ronaldo though, who is still recovering his full fitness after undergoing surgery earlier in the summer.

Ancelotti was also questioned on the Rossoneri’s efforts to sign Real Madrid midfielder Emerson after it was announced this week that the proposed move had collapsed.

“When a negotiation is underway, it can sometimes fail, but there was no special reason,” said the Coach.

“In any case, I believe this team is already competitive as it is. We had eyed Emerson because he could have been an interesting addition, but he will not arrive and that isn’t a problem.

“We are not discussing any other players, the main structure of the team is fine and I am especially confident in the midfield, which is a reliable department,” concluded Carletto.

Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Gilardino

.

[Aladino]

Ancelotti nitpicks Rossoneri Friday 17 August, 2007

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Carlo Ancelotti may have won the Trofeo Berlusconi, but he’s still far from satisfied with Milan’s performance.

“We didn’t do very well,” he said after the 2-0 victory over Juventus at San Siro in this traditional encounter.


“We were not linear enough. I imagine it is mainly due to the strain of the pre-season training regime. It has nothing to do with the tactical system, having one or two strikers, as it is all a matter of pace right now.”


Pippo Inzaghi was certainly not feeling the pressure of his first start since the Champions League Final, as he bagged a brace to defeat his former Bianconeri teammates.


Ancelotti – another Juventus old boy – had kinder words for Claudio Ranieri’s squad.


“They are a quality side and very organised. They are still testing out their movements and can have a great season.”


Milan have won the last three Trofeo Berlusconi editions on the trot and now lead with nine victories to Juve's eight.

No worries Carletto Milan will be all right

[barracuda]

Good to see Inzaghi back, we need him for the games vs Genoa and Sevilla to have a chance at a good start of the season

[Aladino]

Carlo's conferance ahead of today's game again Genoa

WE WANT TO START WELL
8/25/2007 2:23:00 PM
Genoa is very fast upfront, our transfer market is closed and it’s also very satisfactory. This season will be much nicer, uncertain and entertaining.

MILANELLO - "We have made a good job so far, now we must find the match-rhythm and the right concentration. The squad is fine and has worked without any particular problems. The league interests us, it’s one of the objectives of the season. It will be very important for the start, we want to begin well.

"The final outcome of the league is tied to the start of the season. Whoever starts well usually arrives till the end. For us last season it was not possible to do so. Genoa has hythm of game, it’s very fast in attack, moves very well and plays an offensive football. The main dangers will come from there,” declared Carlo Ancelotti during the press conference on the eve of the Genoa-Milan game.

[Aladino]

Comments after the fiorentina game:

At the end of the ninety minutes, Carlo Ancelotti analyzed this way the draw with Fiorentina:

"I'm very satisfied with the commitment shown today by my players on the pitch. A draw against Fiorentina three days after the Super Cup final can occur. However, I must outline the will of the team, in the second half, to reach the three points. following a balanced first half, in the second period we pressed more, we attacked at a high rhythm, but we lacked lucidity. Maybe we could have tightened our marking on Mutu better, but in any case I noticed the great character of the team.

"My necessity is that the team players well,no matter how many strikers I field. I believe that with one attacker on the pitch we gain balance, but surely we will have occasions to field two attackers. Now we shall surely recover Ronaldo who will be available for the match against Siena. With regards to the away game at Kiev, I haven't yet decided whether to play him or not."

[Aladino]

Carlo has been voted best coach!!

The ESM, which groups the European Sports Magazines, has chosen AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti as the best coach for the 2006-07 season.

Ancelotti will receive the award before the fourth round of the Italian Serie A TIM 2007 - 2008 match Milan-Parma, scheduled on Saturday, September 22
at 8:30pm. (Italian time)

The magazines that chose Carlo Ancelotti as the best coach are:

Bola (Portugal), don Balon (Spain), Fanatik (Turkey), La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy), Kicker (Germany), Voetbal International (Holland), Voetbal Foot (Belgium), Sport Express (Russia), and World Soccer (England).

Among many adversities, Ancelotti led AC Milan to win the 2006 UEFA Champions League and the 2007 UEFA Super Cup.

Congrats to Carletto!!!

[Aladino]

WE MUST BE FAST
21/09/2007 20.57.00
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."

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