Galliani: “A match of sacrifice”, Barbara: “Papa is satisfied”

SILVIO BERLUSCONI spoke with Galliani three times yesterday and Barbara claims Silvio’s tactics were implemented.

Milan and Barcelona left San Siro each with a point and both sides seem to be happy with how the final result as each team managed to score one goal. The Rossoneri started with Robinho as the main striker and he scored after 9 minutes.

il Diavolo played most of the game in their own half defending and trying to hit Barcelona on the break and in the end spoils were shared. Massimiliano Allegri is happy with the performance but Barbara Berlusconi gives some of the credit to Silvio.

Amelia: “Milan didn’t play catenaccio”, Urby: “Kaka is great”
Kaka: “I thank the fans”, Muntari: “Milan will fight until the end”

“Papa is satisfied because some of the tactical indications he gave to the coach were taken on board,” Barbara, Milan’s Director in Charge of Special Projects, told ANSA today. “The performance was decent, made of heart and character. Now we need the right mentality in the next games, especially in Glasgow, as we’ll be playing in a unique atmosphere.”

Coach Allegri also had things to say after the match, discussing the return to the 4-3-3 formation: “Playing three up front is the system that got us to third place last season. Kaka and Birsa sacrificed themselves a lot and the team has to continue playing compact as they did. The players did well as we conceded little and had good chances. Kaka showed the champion that he is and I’m not speaking technically as that’s beyond discussion, but in terms of how he sacrificed himself for the team. I’m happy that the players know that they have to work together to get results, whether it’s against Udinese or Barca.

“Team performances will bring us continuity. We have to find a mental continuity as that’s what makes the difference. You have to try and improve every day and never be happy with that you have. We saw on Thursday the mistakes we were making and we understood them. The players did well technically . With performances like this, it’ll be easy to get results.”

“We knew that we would be made to suffer. They’re good, they hold onto the ball and dictate the game but we also knew that we would have our chances,” assistant coach Mauro Tassotti told the press. “It’s a shame about the goal conceded, we could’ve done it differently and we slipped up. It’s an important point for morale and we’re happy with our performance.

“The extra day that we spent together did us good. We talked and we watched a lot of videos and we knew that we would take to the pitch with a different spirit against Udinese. We did that on Saturday and we did it again on Tuesday. Our league started last Thursday because of that. Kaka has great skills and he works hard every morning and every night. I don’t know how long he was training at Milanello but he was paid back with a great performance against a great team on a great stage.

“We kept him on the pitch as long as could as we knew how dangerous he could be. Constant had a good game, very attentive. He had two players to look after all the time and it wasn’t easy for him. There’s a lot of competition in that area of the pitch and he has to give his all. We’re going back to 4-3-3. We played defensive on Tuesday but that was due to who we were up against and when we’re up against teams that don’t push forward as well we’ll be less defensive,” added Tassotti.

Milan said they’d play 4-3-1-2 this season but it looks like the 4-3-3 will be used again, while reports are even suggesting that Milan can go 4-2-3-1 when Keisuke Honda joins in January. “I was pleased by the attacking trident,” vice President Adriano Galliani said last night. “Kaka had a super match and Birsa did  well in his role and sacrificed himself well.

“It was the first time that we weren’t terrorized by Barcelona in possession and we could even have won it. You can always concede though and we did when we slipped up. It was a match of great sacrifice and I’m happy for Kaka. When he plays in this stadium, he switches it on and a lot of people are beginning to understand that he can give a lot to this team. Mino Raiola’s about Italy not being Balotelli’s last destination? Balotelli is going nowhere, so the fans can stay calm.

“This point is very important for the qualification for the next round and it’s not forbidden that we can get something in Spain as well. For those who fear that the President doesn’t follow the team, I can say that I spoke to him three times on Tuesday. He’s happy, he’s always close to us and is always our president.” Berlusconi has yet to attend a Milan game this year.

Filippo Inzaghi’s Primavera also played against Barcelona yesterday and they suffered a bad defeat, losing 6-2 to Barca Juvenil A side. Maks Barisic and Bryan Cristante scored the goals for Milan. Juve’s Primavera lost 6-2 to Real Madrid’s.