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Here are the declarations of AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf during the press conference ahead of the Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg, game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, Spain at 20:45.

AC Milan will have to play hard to win the game to overcome the 0-1 in the First Leg: AC Milan 0 – 1 Atletico de Madrid, Wednesday 19 February 2014

COACH CLARENCE SEEDORF

The first questions were about the match with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday: “I’ve
often been in a situation in which we’re not the favourites, even in
years in which we achieved important things. The favourite was and is
Atletico Madrid. I think the two sides will play in a similar manner to
the first-leg. They have a narrow advantage, the game is open and I’m
expecting changes with regards to the first-leg. Atletico Madrid are a
team in the true sense of the word. They know what they want and they
have quality. They may not have great champions, but they have two or
three world-class players and a good level throughout the side. This
makes the difference out on the pitch. Atletico have been playing well
for years. They know each other well and we respect their strong points.
We want to limit them to give us opportunities.”

Can history play a part in the match? This is what Seedorf had to say:
“Every match has its own history. In the Champions League there is a
lot of history and it’s very different to the other competitions. We’re
ready for a tough battle. We respect our opponents and we’re ready to
take to the pitch. I see good signs from my team, they’re motivated and
happy to play in these type of matches. When you lose a league game like
we did, the chance to play soon after in the Champions League takes
away pressure and provides you with a chance to write history. This club
has an important history and we’ll try and honour that. They are good
memories those from Munich. Milan’s history speaks for itself, the
players are aware of this. In Italy and in Europe. History teaches us
many things. In 2007 in a difficult time we found the energy from
nowhere with some important performances. I’ve got this in mind and I
have to be confident, brave and optimistic. I need to pass on the idea
of battling as a group. We have to play with heart. Aspects which are
more important than the technical and tactical side of the game. The
rest comes as a consequence.”

The team has to give a top performance tomorrow to qualify for the quarter-finals:
 “Tomorrow we have to score the necessary goals to qualify. It’s 11 v
11. We’ll see who ends up as winners. The first match gave us an idea
about our chances. We know it’s difficult, but we have to go beyond our
limits.”

The refereeing standards and what is allowed in the Champions League is different to the Italian Serie A:
“I don’t know what to expect in terms of aggressiveness. It depends on
the referee’s judgement. I hope I don’t see some of the things that I
saw in the Madrid derby 2 weeks ago. Football in general is better than
what I saw in that match.”

An attacking Milan side tomorrow? Coach Seedorf calls for calm:
“You need to have balance in these occasions. Clearly we’ll play
differently compared to the start of the championship. It’s difficult to
score a goal and then close up and hold on for a win at this level.
Tomorrow certainly won’t be like this.”

There was a thought towards the future:
“First of all Milan share my project. I’m trying to take it forward on a
technical level, with enthusiasm and towards a brilliant future. This
doesn’t depend on this match that comes at a difficult time. We have to
go through it all with serenity. There will be many new experiences for
me tomorrow. I want to build with the squad the basis for the future.
Tomorrow is an important opportunity. There could be incidents along the
way, but the squad is determined and they’ve reacted thanks to the
Champions League. It’s a special moment.”

Focus on the individuals of Diego Costa, David Villa and Balotelli: “I
believe that Diego Costa is an important player, just like Balotelli,
but so are the other players. It’s clear that he’s a fantastic player,
but the group plays well as a whole and they’re all to be kept an eye
on. Villa is now available and we’ll have to be aware of his threat.”

Seedorf also spoke about Poli and Kakà:
“Poli is fine. In terms of tactics, we’ve already played offensively
with him on the pitch. We’ll play in a similar manner, with lots of
respect for Atletico Madrid’s strong points and taking advantage of our
potential. There are 90 minutes to score a goal and maybe even two. Kakà
brings with him experience and he’s a part of Champions League history
but I haven’t got different expectations from him compared to the other
players. Anyone can make the difference. He doesn’t have to have this
responsibility on his shoulders. He’s always had the support of the team
and for this reason he’s been decisive.”
 

Click the video to watch the declarations from AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf during the press conference on Monday 10 March 2014 ahead of the UEFA Champions League Second Leg against Atletico de Madrid

  2013 – 2014 UEFA Champions League
Champions League Round of 16
Second Leg

Atletico Madrid – AC Milan
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Vicente Calderon Stadium
Madrid, Spain
20:45

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