Seedorf, where are we? The away match in Cagliari (at 15 pm) represents the third act of AC Milan with the Netherlands, perhaps the right one to start drawing an initial balance. The adventure started well against Verona, but then suffered a sudden stop in the Coppa Italia match against Udinese. And then the first criticisms rained down, complete with timid (for now) nostalgic references to Massimiliano Allegri and his pragmatism, decidedly in contrast with the 4-2 fantasy of the new course.
So it's easy to imagine that this afternoon Seedorf will have an important exam: should it go badly, numerous controversies would arise, also because the Rossoneri coach has no intention of taking steps backwards. “I'm here to help rebuild the team – he explained at the press conference. – I think we can already see the first results. In my eyes, the reaction of the players and the willingness to change pace is evident. Now we have to work and for this I ask the fans for patience." Clarence asks for time, but without deceiving anyone. “The goals of a club like ours are always the same, but now we have to look for results and points – he continued. – Our focus cannot be in the Champions League zone, we need to work”.
The ranking doesn't help him as well as the infirmary, which in a few days took away from him Zapata, Silvestre and Abbiati, as well as the long-term patient El Shaarawy. The good news however comes from Pazzini, recovered in record time and already enlisted for the Sant'Elia bench and from the transfer market, who brought Michael Essien from Chelsea as a dowry. The Ghanaian, who underwent medical checks yesterday, will be available from Tuesday and will lend a hand to a midfield that has so far lacked balance and pace. “I know him very well, he is a great player, a warrior who I think I can use in the middle of the field – thought Seedorf. – In addition, he will also bring great human values, his personality will serve the team ”. Today, however, Essien will not be there and the coach will rely on the Montolivo-De Jong duo, in the hope that the balance will be decidedly greater than in the match against Udinese. However, a lot will depend on the attitude of the four forwards, who appeared rather tired (Kaka) or listless (Robinho) in the Coppa Italia.
Seedorf will field Amelia in goal, De Sciglio, Bonera, Rami and Emanuelson in defence, Montolivo and De Jong in midfield, Honda, Robinho and Kakà in the frontline, Balotelli in attack. “All the players have the spirit of the warrior inside – reiterated the Dutchman. “I saw it in their eyes, now they just have to get it out.” AC Milan fans can't wait.
