Milan lost for the sixth time yesterday at Portugal against Benfica, but it seems like Milan took a step forward. With a lack of goals, nice defense and midfield, the Rossoneri keep to lose. But, Zambrotta, Abate and Leonardo agree it wasn’t bad at all
Leonardo fails, and there is no doubt about that. Maybe his long-term plan will work eventually but as for now, Milan won only one time this pre-season, having lost six times in a row. After every match, it seems like he’s gonna to say his team was terrible but he always finds something good (mostly good excuses).
The first minutes were awful to Milan but they reacted well. Leonardo believes his team played definitely OK and no one should judge them before the league. After the six lose in number, AC Milan head-coach told:
“Apart from the first few minutes, the defense played well, the two centre backs are finding a mutual understanding. I saw some good movement up front, although Pato needs to improve physically. [Ronaldinho] needs to do more and be more consistent.”
Leonardo warns Ronaldinho he doesn’t give a preferential treatment to his Brazilian ‘friend’, especially now when Huntelaar is ready to take action in the team. Huntelaar is expected to make he debate again Juventus on August 17.
“I was pleased with our reaction in the second half. Considering the hard work we put in during the week and the absentees, on balance it [the game] was positive,” Leo continued.
AC Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta, who missed a penalty shootout said to Milan Channel’s microphones after the game: “We’ve made some improvements, some steps forward, let’s say that overall we’re satisfied with how the match went.
“There are still some days to go before the start of the season, we have time to keep working and so we don’t have problems or worries of any kind. This step forward certainly gives us confidence to be ready for the start against Siena and Inter.”
The Rossoneri winger Ignazio Abate told to Milan Channel: “I’d say we did not start very well, we suffered the first 20-25 minutes but then, once we got into the match, the team grew and came out.
“We played against very aggressive opponents, but when we got organized we took control of the play and created 3-4 important chances and from then on they were only dangerous on counterattacks.
“As fas I’m concerned, I’m satisfied with my performance. I try to work well during the week, get in top shape and always be ready. It’s normal that I’d like to play always, it means I will try to put the coach in difficulty with his choices.”
Milan will face Inter again this pre-season, after losing 2-0 to them at USA; San Siro is waiting for them again before the start of the season. We’re all hope better will happen and Milan will finally reach a win this six games.
By Meytar Zeevi, Rossoneri Blog
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