[novfan]

Ancelotti stays defiant, ‘Winter break will do us good’

MILAN: AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to rule his side out of the Serie A title race after a 4-2 defeat at Juventus on Sunday.

Milan, who were without the injured Kaka, Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso, are now nine points behind leaders Inter Milan and three behind second-placed Juve after 16 games.

The Rossoneri, only fifth last season, host faltering Udinese next weekend before a mid-season break when David Beckham joins on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

“I think there will definitely be a reaction to this defeat.

“The winter break will be useful as we will get some players back,” former Juve boss Ancelotti told Sky.

“From a defensive point of view, we gave them too much. We started the game really well.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries and been without some important players.”

Brazilian-born striker Amauri, signed for €22.8mil (US$30.3mil) from Palermo in the close season having played for Chievo among others, grabbed two of Juve’s goals.

Juve coach Claudio Ranieri was thrilled with the 28-year-old, who is waiting for an Italian passport and may make himself available for Italy boss Marcello Lippi having never been called up by Brazil.

“I expected it as the club paid lots of money for him. Amauri arrived at the right time, he has gained experience around Italy and has matured before joining us. He is doing great things,” Ranieri beamed.

“We knew Milan would start strongly and we suffered a lot in the first 10 minutes but I had faith.” — Reuters

[Jack Sparrow]

Has anyone seen this?

David Beckham has won incredbile praise from AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, while Ronaldinho has been castigated for his reliance on ability alone to push him through games.


Carlo Ancelotti believes that David Beckham is technically and tactically better than Kaka and has told Ronaldinho that he should learn from Paolo Maldini and Clarence Seedorf.

The AC Milan coach was in frank and forthright mood when he explained why is so keen to keep Beckham at the San Siro, and how the player has improved since his days at Manchester United.

While the Rossoneri continue to try and prise the England midfielder away from LA Galaxy on a permanent basis, Ancelotti has not held back in his praise.

"He made a good impression on me with his performance and character," he told French football magazine, So Foot.

"On the field Beckham is the first to see everything. His vision is better now than when he played at Manchester United.

"He is slower than Kaka, but he is tactically and technically better and is also very intelligent and hard working."

Ronaldinho was next in line for Ancelotti's critical analysis, and the coach stated that the Brazilian should use Maldini and Seedorf as examples of how to be professional.

"Players like him do everything based on talent. I have trained a variety of magnificent players and the majority think that they can make the difference with their talent alone," he continued.

"That is not true In the modern game if you do not stay in great physical condition and are not working in training then it is hard to shine during matches.

"[Paolo] Maldini has been a pro for 20 years and has never ever complained while training.

"[Seedorf] is one of the most important players. He is like a 4x4 and wherever he plays he never loses his level. He always does his job very well."

Ancelotti then explained that Yourri Gourcuff may not return to AC Milan after his loan spell with Bordeaux finishes in the summer, but admitted that only psycholoigcal problems prevented him from making it at the club.

"I do not know if he will come back to Milan. He is a good player, but he had problems. He wanted to prove himself a lot and that hindered what he gave to the side," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Is this a valid interview? I don't know about Becks being technically better than Kaka...but then slower players usually have better vision and tactical acumen.

So the Ronnie thing is a lack of training interest? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) I hope not. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) This just sucks. If this is true, then not only will be disappointed coz I thought R80 wanted to change, I'll also be pissed coz it means it's another case of a white elephant being brought coz Silvio thought it would be good.

[kurtsimonw]

So the Ronnie thing is a lack of training interest?

One of my major reasons why I was against his signing.. get him out of the club, he's been a waste of time.