Ancelotti can't wait to meet 'Pool

Carlo Ancelotti believes Milan are in a completely different state of mind to how they approached the 2005 Champions League Final with Liverpool.

“The basic structure of the team is the same, but the big difference is that in 2005 we arrived at the Final squeezed dry by a brutal season, while now the side is in great physical shape,” said the Coach.

“Above all the positive aspect of our approach to this Final is in our psychological focus. The team grew so much in confidence and belief after the quarter-final with Bayern Munich and we are convinced we can repeat the semi-final performance against Manchester United.”

The Rossoneri were famously leading 3-0 in Istanbul before conceding three goals in six minutes and losing the trophy on penalties, but have the opportunity for an historic rematch.

“We are not thinking about penalties now, but if we do end up there again, we’ll try to take them better than we did in Istanbul…”

Above all, it is a Final that comes after going through the preliminary round due to Calciopoli.

“In terms of mentality let us say that in 2005 reaching the Final was a normal objective, but the way this season has gone it is extraordinary. I am proud that despite the difficulties Milan have once again been able to challenge for the trophy,” he told the official club website.

“This has been a story with a happy ending. When everything seemed to be going wrong, all of a sudden there was respite. Aside from how the Final goes, this team has done something very important for modern football, where there is always the search for scapegoats and alibis. We all focused on fixing our own problems together.”

The Rossoneri have more than proved their pedigree in the Champions League, as this is their third Final in five years.

“In games like these, experience is important to deal with the run-up. The fact we have so many players accustomed to that atmosphere and tension means we get there with the right attitude.

“Tradition counts for a great deal and the philosophy of this club has always been that the Champions League is the main objective.”

Rafa Benitez is in his second European Cup Final in three seasons, so this will be an intriguing battle of two very different tactical approaches.

“He is a great Coach who evidently focuses on organisation and discipline. I think he is extremely precise in his work,” said Ancelotti.

“Milan are a very Italian side in its way of preparing for matches, concentration, aggression and then has the input of foreign talent like Kaka and Clarence Seedorf. Liverpool don’t seem to have the DNA of an English club, they are far more Latino in their play and that comes from the mentality of their Coach.

“I am really enjoying this Press Conference and can’t wait for Tuesday’s UEFA chat,” grinned the experienced boss.

“I remember in Istanbul thinking ‘It’s great being here, I wonder if I’ll get here again?’ I am once more and am happy about that. I didn’t expect to meet Benitez again, but he’s here too!”

His first match was vs. Messi. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) And he did a brilliant job. Messi was nothing on that match.

You're right there.. maybe he's played so little 'cause he's only used in the CL or something then?

Because Aurelio and Luis Garcia are out (and Kewell were too)... so Riise must play on the LW and Arbeloa as LB.

Now, with Kewell back... I'd say Riise will go to LB and Kewell as LW.

But I might be wrong.

maybe he was used in match coz he had experince against spanish teams from his spell at Deportivo.

Barca isn't Milan.

The hot favorites to win the CL07 were Manchester United. And we disected them into shreds at the San Siro. Still I do give Liver credit for winning with conviction against Barca, but I was disappointed at Barca for not proving themselves worthy of reaching the final, as AC Milan did.

I can bet you one thing, that Liverpool, when they watch the CL05 final, the only part they can take comfort from is the 6 minutes of madness and confusion (from our part) and the penalties. Apart from that, they know they are screwed and the fact that they know Milan filled with this anger from Inter and the calciopoli, then a chance to take back the trophy that was rightfully Milans' ?? I just hope Gerrard doesn't do a CR in front of the whole world. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

aomost had a heart attack today, i have to do a exam rewrite and teacher schedules it for wednesday 2:30...... but i called her later on to arrange to do it tomorrow.... no way in hell would i miss that game NOT ONE MINUTE!!! FORZA MILAANNNN!!!

Goal

I think Messi was out injured for quite some time before that and neither him, Ronaldinho or Eto'o where playing particularly well during that time.


I personally think that this will be it. I'm 95% sure in fact, if not Kewell then definately Zenden in the LW position



Actually Chelsea and Barca where the hot favs to win it this season, Man U only became favourites after that fluke of a win against Roma.

Imo Liverpool now are much tougher then they where in 05 and it has to be said that we have a much more weaker attack then we had in 05. Also I doubt that they will open up like they did to us in 05.

I think the best way to kill off Liverpool is to hit them with lightning fast counters at every possible moment. Their attack isn't good enough to put us under too much pressure but when they lose the ball we have the intelligent enough players to exploit whatever space they give to us.

If we try to keep possetion and try to score while pressing ourselves we might get caught on the counter so best way is to try and bait them to come and attack us and hit them hard on counters.

Well Chelsea were favorites too ... But, United had a spectacular season. While Chelsea had so many problems with their formation, United had everything spot on. Barca ?? Well if u can recall after our Manchester triumph in 03, we were royaly kicked out by Deportivo; therefore I find a correlation there. Still, Barca wasn't at it's full strength, and Barca never showed up to the game, TBH. I was dissapointed in Barca for not kicking of the fools. Anyways they left that privilage to us, to take our revenge (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

In any case, we beat United and we are the favorites now.

Liverfool ?? I don't really care who they play or how they play. All I know is, Milan will win this one. We are technically, tactically, physically, and mentally ready for this chance to take back what is rightfully ours. The only player from their team that would be considered a talent, is Gerrard. The rest don't match up to the standards of our technically advanced players.

We beat United at a very high tempo, something Milan doesn't do .. Milan simply doesnt play at a high tempo for more than 30 mins. They did it for almost 70 mins and brushed off United.

What do u think is in store for Liverfool (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

They have a better team ?? So what ? So did United .. United had a better team than the one they had in 05, in 05 we didn't play this way, we didnt control the game like this.

This time, the whole team was compact ... Against Liverfool, I would expect an even stronger Milan.

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: May 17 2007, 03:38 PM

I got 2 questions.

1) What is the capacity of the stadium?
2) How many tickets have officialy been sold to Milan fans?

1) around 68,000, give or take.
2) No one can no till the ref blows the whistle .. But 17,000 were asigned to Liverfool and 17,000 were asigned to Milan .. The rest are through UEFA and other organizations.

So there could be only 34,000 real fans there? I can't see it having a good atmosphere at all, even Spurs get that many fans. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

We will win.

6 days to go (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/hubba2.gif)