CL: Benfica - Milan [28-11-07]

[D-Kin]

Ancelotti juggles Milan demands Wednesday 28 November, 2007

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Carlo Ancelotti admits the pressure is on Milan as in the next fortnight they face Celtic for the top spot, Juventus and the Club World Cup.

Former Milan man Massimo Donati gave Celtic a last-gasp 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and the Rossoneri drew 1-1 at Benfica, so even though the Italians are mathematically qualified, the final game at San Siro will be a battle for first place.

“We had a fine start, took the lead and controlled the game, but the equaliser put things back in the balance,” explained the Coach.

“We had less energy than Benfica and realised a draw would guarantee our qualification, so we sat back a bit too much in the second half and there were some tense moments at the end.

“Kaka did some wonderful things at the start and end. Alberto Gilardino had more chances in the first half, but then paid the price for the rest of the team not creating as much.”

Milan will travel to Japan for the Club World Cup with games on December 13 and 16, but cannot afford to lose their concentration against Celtic, as winning their Champions League group is key.

“I believe first place is very important for the draw, especially as it gives us the second leg on home turf.”

There were worrying moments in Lisbon when Ronaldo was preparing to make his Champions League debut in a Milan jersey, but pulled up for treatment instead.

“Ronaldo felt a twinge during the warm-up and still wanted to go on, but considering Clarence Seedorf’s ankle wasn’t in good shape I opted to play it safe. Ronaldo is fine and will be available for Saturday.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

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Gila awaits Ronaldo partnership Wednesday 28 November, 2007

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Alberto Gilardino reveals why he is doing so much better in Europe and hopes Ronaldo can soon make his debut.

“It is only normal that if you start the way I did this season, with two goals against Shakhtar, you are able to play every other game with a more relaxed state of mind,” said the Milan striker.

He had struggled badly to break his duck on the continent, but has become visibly more confident and was fielded as the lone striker during the 1-1 draw with Benfica.

“It depends on the opponents, so the Coach does well to choose the right tactical system for that situation. The two strikers worked better in Cagliari and the one-forward system was more advisable here.”

Ronaldo was ready to make his Champions League debut for Milan, but pulled up with a twinge during the warm-up.

“I am accustomed to both roles. Having said that, when Ronaldo is beside you it creates more space and helps give the defenders something else to worry about.”

As Pippo Inzaghi is home with tonsillitis, Gilardino had to hold the fort on his own in Lisbon.

“We played extremely good football for the first half-hour, then that goal from distance changed the game and we tried to sit back a little more and control the tempo. We attempted to move the ball around well, but the service didn’t always get to me.”

Now Gila’s attention is aimed towards Tokyo, where Milan will compete in the Club World Cup.

“This is my first time at the Club World Cup and after winning the top trophy at international level I hope to also become world champion with Milan.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

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