Ancelotti speaks ahead of the Chelsea game

By European Football
July 31 2005

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti faced the press ahead of the game against Chelsea, to speak on his hopes for the season and his new acquisitions.

Speaking about his midfield he said:

'I want to speak to Jankulovski about playing some games on the right. I feel more secure about the team this year as I am training a very strong side backed by a solid club. These are two fundamental components for a coach. It's important we start well, each game can have a positive or negative affect. We played less well last year compared to the year before. The level of the individuals is getting better. This year will be different.'

And on his new attacking options of Vieri and Gilardino:

'The team must get used to their characteristics. They are attackers that make a lot of runs towards goal and not play close to the midfielders. They have done really well with this and is an extra weapon for us. They still have to get used to the environment but I am sure everything will come together.' As for the old guard: 'Inzaghi is doing well, he'll be on the Champions League list on August 29. He's on the right road with his recovery programme. Sheva has different characteristics than the other attackers which makes him one of a kind and allows him to play alongside anyone.'

And finally on his three man defence:

'We are trying it out, it's normal that you come up against difficulties in respect to the traditional system. We have to improve, for example, in winning the ball back. There is a different way of playing. We don't want to defend with five. We have to some risks in the defensive line. Is our defence too old? All you need is to prepare well, we don't have a lot of youngsters in the squad. It's better to have fewer and more quality with the players we have. This team will continue the cycle. It's only in defence but we have a young midfield and attack.'

Paolo Maldini is a doubt due to an annoying muscle problem, Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Kaladze will play in defence, Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini in midfield, Vieri and Gilardino in attack while Eleftheropoulos plays in goal. Rui Costa, Seedorf or Serginho will play behind the attackers. The team will start with four at the back but will probably change to three during the game.