Poli: “The desire to improve and win grows day after day”

ANDREA POLI has explained how Seedorf and Allegri are different and said he likes the attacking midfielder position.

Clarence Seedorf apparently has a few doubts ahead of the Juventus game tomorrow at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium and one of them is regarding the third man alongside Adel Taarabt and Kaka, behind the lone striker Giampaolo Pazzini.

It’ll be either Keisuke Honda or Andrea Poli and the Italian at the moment seems to be favoured (although it can change between today and tomorrow) and the midfielder is getting ready for the game, saying Milan will try to beat Juventus.

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“What struck me about Seedorf? We focus a lot about psychology: it’s the first time that happens to me with a coach. Seedorf gives a lot of importance to talking with the players and it is crucial because it creates a communication,” Poli told GdS. “Allegri was different; he spoke less. In any case, an exemption is always a disappointment and it’s a defeat for us all.

“We’re all responsible for Allegri’s firing, including my. If I feared being left out after not playing the first 4 games under coach Seedorf? Actually I was affected by the flu. I was supposed to play from the start against Udinese in the Coppa Italia but I got the virus which kept me out for a while week. Against Cagliari I was still debilitated  and then before the game against Torino, Seedorf and I decided it would be better for me to stay at Milanello to recover my physical condition.

“The position of the attacking midfielder? I played this role under Ferrara at Samp but in a different way as I played on the left. Seedorf asked me to move on the pitch differently but in a way congenial to my skills. I can now join the attacking action but also return and help in defense, contributing to the overall balance. It’s a role I like and I feel that it suits me.

“If it was my idea? No, it was Seedorf’s intuition. As a player I especially enjoyed Seedorf’s ability to read the game. He also played in various roles and he was always good at identifying the areas on the pitch from which you can do more harm the opponents more. I wish I could steal Seedorf’s secret. How Seedorf convinced us that his formation is the right way, despite the early skepticism? Through performance. It takes time and it takes more than a week to be at a certain tactical level.

“And it takes collaboration. The road is still long but the desire to improve and win grows day after day. If the difference between Milan and Juventus is really 31 points? In the last two and a half years, Juventus have dominated the league. They have big players like Buffon and Chiellini who I’ve met in the national team. But the points only count up to a certain point: last year with Sampdoria we managed to beat them in both the home and away legs. We’ll try to win against them.

“Who will be the Mauro Icardi (who scored three goals in two games against Juventus last year) this time? I’d say Pazzini. Like Mario Balotelli (who is in doubt for the game with shoulder pain), Pazzini can make the difference. Balotelli? Mario has always had his style. Mine is different but I think that everyone should have the freedom to express themselves as they wish.

“If my flexibility on the pitch is an advantage or a limitation? I played in defense due to an injuries emergency but I’m a midfielder who likes to attack and defend. If I was lucky to have not been bought out by Inter? I don’t like to talk about the past. I’m happy with the path I’m on and I have no regrets. I want to grow and win and I’m happy that I’m able to do it at Milan. If I was close to joining Juventus last year? It’s true. There was a contact with them but the deal never took off.

“Who are most linked to Milanello? Pazzini, Montolivo, De Sciglio and Kaka. Ricky is special. He’s humble and friendly. He’s giving me a lot on the human level,” continued the 24-year-old, who played for Treviso, Sampdoria, Sassuolo and Inter.