Seedorf: Leonardo no issue in derby

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf insists the team will not be distracted when they tackle the Inter Milan side of former coach Leonardo.

Serie A leaders Milan meet cross-city rivals Inter – second on the Serie A table – in an all-important derby clash on Saturday.

Of added significance is the fact that Inter will be lead by Brazilian manager Leonardo, who coached Milan last season.

But Dutch veteran Seedorf is confident the squad will not be deterred by the sight of the Milan favourite on the opposition bench.

“We will play against the players, not against Leonardo,” Seedorf said.

“I wish him good luck as I wish good luck to everyone.”

Milan – aiming to win the Scudetto for first time since 2004 – top the table by just two points ahead of Inter, who have claimed the last five championship titles.

“I think Inter Milan deserves respect, but AC Milan too for what we’ve done this season up to now,” Seedorf said.

“We must keep looking for the respect and possibly increasing it by playing a great match. A great match by a great team and great group (of players).”

“In my whole career I’ve always thought it is important to have class on the pitch, any moment, really any moment.”

“We need facts, and not words and we know how to do it.”

Thu 31 March, 2011

Seedorf: Leonardo no issue in derby

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf insists the team will not be distracted when they tackle the Inter Milan side of former coach Leonardo.

Serie A leaders Milan meet cross-city rivals Inter – second on the Serie A table – in an all-important derby clash on Saturday.

Of added significance is the fact that Inter will be lead by Brazilian manager Leonardo, who coached Milan last season.

But Dutch veteran Seedorf is confident the squad will not be deterred by the sight of the Milan favourite on the opposition bench.

“We will play against the players, not against Leonardo,” Seedorf said.

“I wish him good luck as I wish good luck to everyone.”

Milan – aiming to win the Scudetto for first time since 2004 – top the table by just two points ahead of Inter, who have claimed the last five championship titles.

“I think Inter Milan deserves respect, but AC Milan too for what we’ve done this season up to now,” Seedorf said.

“We must keep looking for the respect and possibly increasing it by playing a great match. A great match by a great team and great group (of players).”

“In my whole career I’ve always thought it is important to have class on the pitch, any moment, really any moment.”

“We need facts, and not words and we know how to do it.”

Thu 31 March, 2011

Safety an issue in snow: Ranieri

Roma manager Claudio Ranieri said it was unfortunate their Serie A clash with Bologna was postponed due to snow.

Just 17 minutes of play was completed when referee Luca Banti decided to call off the the game after heavy snow landed on the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara pitch.

“After the referee spoke to the captains, he discussed it with myself and Alberto Malesani,” Ranieri said.

“Both teams wanted to play, as with such a packed fixture list between the Champions League, Coppa Italia and Serie A, finding a free day will not be easy.”

“However, the most important thing was the safety of the players. After a while the fourth official asked how we were feeling and I confirmed I was afraid for the lads.”

“All it takes in those icy conditions is one wrong move and you can do serious damage. Malesani agreed and at that stage the referee made the right decision in calling a halt to proceedings, as there was the genuine risk of a major injury.”

Marco Borriello incurred an injury while warming up for the match, and was replaced by Mirko Vucinic.

Mon 31 January, 2011