Montolivo: “I feel good, Inzaghi’s enthusiasm impressed me”

RICCARDO MONTOLIVO has only good words for new coach Filippo Inzaghi but he just focuses on his recovery for now.

Montolivo watched his friends from the stands of the San Siro stadium last Sunday in the 3-1 win against Lazio and he will keep watching from the sidelines at least until November (December at the latest), as he’s suffering from a broken tibia.

Riccardo, whose first year as the captain of Milan didn’t go so well as the 2013/14 season was the Rossoneri’s worse year in recent memories, doesn’t think goals should be set now but admits he’s been impressed by Pippo Inzaghi.

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Montolivo was at Milanello on Friday, following his personal programme and helping to promote the Milan Foundation Charity Golf Challenge 2014, and he spoke about various topics: “I’ve never picked up a golf club in my life. I’ll think about it maybe at the end of my career! Today however we’re here for one of the many important initiatives that Milan has us accustomed to. The Milan Foundation with this event helps less fortunate children and it is very focused on this objective.

“My injury? I feel good, but the bone needs time to heal. We’re playing it by ear and we shall see how the leg responds step by step. For the time being it is all going well. An estimated recovery time? Hard to tell. At the end of the month I will have a visit that will give us more information. It was really hard to watch the World Cup from the outside. It’s also tough to watch training here at Milanello especially now that I am starting to feel better and the return date is nearing. However, what counts the most is seeing the squad totally available to our coach. Pippo Inzaghi’s enthusiasm has really impressed me.

“However, what really strikes me are his ideas. They are so clear for a young coach. He has no hesitations and has clear objectives in mind. The first point of the Inzaghi project has been respect for the rules, respect for all the people that work at Milanello & respect amongst ourselves out on the pitch. A good start is half the battle & I see the guys at Inzaghi’s disposal.

“Objectives? We don’t need to set goals now. We have to continue like this and this is the first step to success. We have to continue trying to impress just like last Sunday versus Lazio. Fernando Torres and Giacomo Bonaventura? I have watched them in their first few days and they have made themselves available. Let’s give them time to settle, especially Torres who comes from a foreign league. I think that the club has done well in the transfer market. Mario Balotelli? He just needs to understand that he’s no longer 19. His talent is undeniable but he needs to improve the way he manages other things.

“The visit of Italy coach Antonio Conte? He came here and we spoke, he wanted to understand my condition but I have to focus now on my recovery and Milan. I’ll then have the pleasure and pride of thinking about the National Team. They had a good game against the Netherlands and the value of the Nazionale is not under discussion despite a disastrous World Cup.

“Silvio Berlusconi? When he visits us we have long talks about many things, Milan and beyond.” The 29-year-old who grew up in Atalanta’s youth department (same as Giampaolo Pazzini and Bonaventura) will keep cheering from the side.