THE INZAGHI EFFECT

(IN THE PHOTO: De Sciglio and Abate with head coach Filippo Inzaghi) 
MILAN – The team’s wing-backs, Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate, have both been speaking to the press about the work of head coach Filippo Inzaghi. This is what De Sciglio had to say in Thursday’s edition of the Italian daily the Corriere della Sera: "I know that a lot is expected of me because I showed my talent early on. It’s just that everyone expects an above average performance every Sunday, when it’s normal to have an off-day every so often at my age. But I need to learn how to ignore the criticisms. My role? I’m right-footed and I could even play on that flank, but I also play with the national side on the left. Let’s say that I’m more consistent with my performances there. Inzaghi? He’s worked on the group and the unity of the side, which was missing last year: if there is unity off the pitch, the results are then seen during the match. His main quality is the ability to pass on enthusiasm. Is he a tough and demanding leader? He asks for commitment, but he’s more lenient than what he wants you to believe: having been a player, he knows our needs. The captain’s armband? I’m taking example from the experienced players like Abbiati, Bonera and Montolivo, the leaders of this team. It would be an honour, one day, to captain Milan. The player with the captain’s armband gets to lift the trophies? Another reason to wear it…". 
Ignazio Abate meanwhile spoke to the Italian sports daily, the Gazzetta dello Sport: “The change of coach has been good for me and the group, there’s a different atmosphere. But I’m not getting carried away, just like I didn’t get down before. Inzaghi? I’ve known him for years: Inzaghi is obsessive, a perfectionist. He was like that as a player and he’s like that as a coach. He makes himself respected in the locker room: there’s a moment in which we work, and Inzaghi never compromises on that, and a moment in which we can joke. There’s a mutual respect between us and him. It’s not been like this for a long time at Milanello. I never asked for reasons on my exclusions from Seedorf, and I always said things to his face. I only expect respect and fairness. I suffered in those months and I risked my place at the World Cup. It was a difficult chapter for me and for Milan. I was pleased that Seedorf said that I always behaved as a professional.” 
Abate also commented on his contract at the club: “My priority is Milan. I will wait until I can. This is my home, even though I know that in football you can go separate ways. I want to stay and finish my career here. I’m not able to imagine myself wearing another jersey, at least in Italy: at most I would go abroad. But the moment to say goodbye hasn’t arrived. When I arrive at Milanello, I still get excited."