AC Milan star speaks on the coming season

By European Football
July 18 2005

Alessandro Costacurta spoke to the press on Saturday and gave his reactions to the new signings and the season past with AC Milan, he also spoke about his hopes for the upcoming season.

Are Milan starting the new season full of enthusiasm?

'It’s important for everyone, from the players to fans that we start in an enthusiastic manner. We had an almost perfect season which left us full of pride, it’s normal that we would be somewhat disappointed as we take great pride in always battling to the end for every target. The fact that we are always amongst the top sides gives plenty of pride, we know that you always win. The difference between Milan and other sides is that when we don’t lift a trophy then the season has not gone well because our fans are used to it. The best thing amongst the ups and downs the desire to win is there.'

Ancelotti and Galliani see you as a possible substitute for Cafu, what do you think about that?

'In the past four years I have done enough to make me satisfied. I am ready to cover any holes, I hope to find some space to take the pitch at the San Siro which is always something marvellous and the secret for us who are not so young.'

How would you assess Inter and Juve’s transfer dealings?

'[Patrick] Vieira left good memories at Milan; I am pleased for him that he has the chance to achieve something worthy. Juventus have made an excellent acquisition and with Vieira both us and them are at the same level. Inter have to be considered at another level with Samuel and Chivu but lack the confidence in the middle which has given us success in recent years.'

Could there be an auction for Gilardino in the light of what is happening at Parma ...?

'To guard the interests of an investment it is right from a civic and logic point of view. However, Milan fans hope it wouldn’t come to that.'

Did you expect Vieri at Milan?

'No, I didn’t expect that Vieri would come to Milan because I thought he would finish his career at Inter but I am pleased and I don’t see it as something strange.'

What must Ancelotti do not to repeat an Istanbul?

'Probably Ancelotti was less responsible for what happened in Istanbul, errors, chance, destiny ... I don’t know. The important thing to understand is that the team have to be proud of what it has down under Ancelotti. The psychological aspect, however, is something to work on, a fall in concentration can happen over years. If we hadn’t have had a fall in the return against PSV the game after against Juventus would not have been lost as we were superior to the Bianconeri. When the head gets tired then it can happen that the successive game can be lost even if you are superior.'

Is the Milan defence too old?

'The age of the defence is not something that we should worry about as we are talking about three of the best defenders in the world. All over Europe there seems to be experienced defenders and not really young ones. Internationally, there are truly few youngster interested in that role.'

What do you think about a three-man defence?

'A three-man defence changes the aspect of the side, in some games it can be an advantage. I think with Maldini, Nesta and Stam we have the solution to try it but we have to look at alternatives. It can be a winning bet.'

Even this summer there are clubs in financial difficulties and cannot sign up for the championship...

'It seems to be like this every year, these things do no good for the credibility of the game. I am for respecting the rules and back Treviso (they sold two of their best players to balance the books). If a club are not in a correct position then they cannot enrol until they come up with a solution which allows them to take part in the championship.'

What about players who bet on games?

'It darkens and damages the bond that exists in the game. In America, a president can be condemned to 25 years. They are hit. In Italy, however, it is a general thing which is a mistake. They should not be tolerated if they commit grave errors, they must be punished.'