"We think of Bologna first, Atletico Madrid come later." Clarence Seedorf, for the avoidance of doubt, thus opened the pre-season press conference. Because Milan, tonight at San Siro, will open the 24th matchday of Serie A in advance prepared precisely for the imminent Champions League match. The temptation to think about the Spaniards would be strong but not for the Dutch, still scalded by the beating he received in Naples a few days ago. “Bologna is always a team to be respected, they have a history behind them – explained the Rossoneri coach. – I saw the match they won in Turin, they know what they want to do. They have two good strikers, they are well organised. We will have to race well and with a certain speed”. Despite the criticisms received during the week (even from the owners themselves?), Seedorf has no intention of changing the game system, that 4-2-3-1 which, game after game, raises more and more perplexities. “We met Berlusconi for dinner on Tuesday evening, obviously we talked about the future of Milan – he revealed in the conference. – There is a great desire to go back to the top, the easiest way to get there is to convince. The important thing is not the form but the philosophy of the team. It was a particular match in Naples: Abate hadn't played for a long time, Essien and Taarabt were making their debuts. It is not an excuse, but when this is the case it is clear that the right mechanisms are missing ”.
Yeah, but those will have to be found quickly. Because with the standings crying and the Champions League upon us, there's no more time to experiment. Seedorf knows it, that's why tonight he will send a team onto the field without taking Atletico Madrid into account. “To get well in the cup you have to do well against Bologna – thought the coach. – 90% of the choices will not take Atletico into account. Training? I have no great doubts, everyone has worked well these days." In fact, the choices seem to have been made: Abbiati in goal, Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio in defense, Montolivo, De Jong in midfield, Taarabt, Honda, Saponara (favorite over Poli) in the trocar, Balotelli in attack. And Mario will once again be in the spotlight. His tears from Naples went around the world and now everyone is expecting a reaction on the field, possibly positive. “Everyone doesn't play a game well, he's a great talent and we hope he can explode to become the champion he still isn't today – teased Seedorf. – I am convinced that sooner or later we will see him because he has a great desire ”. Everyone in the Milan house wishes it. On the other hand, as everyone knows, the waiting time is over.
