taken from acmilan.com
Carlo Ancelotti
'We will definitely have to play with a more battling spirit than we did against Roma, with more intensity and more committment and desire. The spirit of the team changed in the second half at the Olympic stadium, the team played very well, there was a vast improvement in the quality of play. It will be a totally different game tomorrow. We can't think it is necessary we have to win at all costs, but we just have to think about playing to the best of our ability to improve our chances of qualifying at the end of the first leg. This is our objective.
'There isn't a ballot between this or that player. It comes down to who is in form to decide the best line-up. We'll play with two attackers. We have to see what the interpretation of each role will be. We have nearly everyone back: Nesta was back on Saturday, from tomorrow or soon after we'll have Serginho and Kaladze back too. There is a good chance Nesta will play, we have to see how he recovered from the Roma game. The general condition of the team is good.
'The quarter-finals are a great incentive, we are still on course in an important competition, we are equal to any of the other sides. We haven't expressed the quality of play up until now that we have in other years and this is down to the fact that we have had a lot of difficulties, a lot of absentees and a lot of ups and downs. It takes time to get into shape to remedy that. The fact that we are not at our best yet is another incentive.
'We remember last year with pleasure, especially the home game. We played a great game. We are also counting on that tomorrow. The fact that they are missing Kahn? Kahn is a great goalkeeper and an icon in the team, it will weigh heavily as will that of Van Bommel.'
'Gila and Inzaghi are fine and they have the possibility of playing alongside each other. Inzaghi is an extraordinary striker; he's really up for this game, he feels it in his DNA. He's trained well and is in good shape after the leg problem. He will be important in this round against the Germans.'
'Bayern are a difficult side to overcome and have improved a lot since December. They are a solid side, well set out and with an excellent defensive mentality. It will be a tough encounter. I didn't watch the game against Inter that much, it was better to watch the more recent. They have a new coach and watching Hitzfeld's most recent games is more useful.
'Yes, the dream is of an all-Italian semi-final against Roma. An Italian semi-final will mean one in the final. That would be wonderful.'
Paolo Maldini
'Bayern are more or less the same side as they were last year and so are we, even at the condition level. Last year we were doing well in the league, but that’s the same goes for this year with the exception of the derby loss. Because of this, I am expecting a game similar to one last March. Playing the first leg at home isn’t an advantage, but it isn’t something to worry about either.
'The Champions League has been our primary objective for many years now. Over the years we have done continuously well in this competition. We must give a bit more in the league. We could have done better there but in the end we are close to our minimum goal for the season, which is fourth place. However, a normal season could be transformed into an extraordinary one thanks to the Champions League dream.
'We believe in ourselves, not just because of the results but because we are the only side left amongst the last eight in the running last year. Two strong sides like Barcelona and Inter have exited. The remaining sides are within our range. Even they have had problems in the league, like Liverpool and Bayern. On top of everything else, besides for the game against Lille, we have always done well in the Champions League.
'Bayern have a typically German look. They are a side that never give up, are physically strong and tough. They have lost a bit of quality in respect to last year, but they are very strong. Roy Makaay is their most eye-catching player. He moves a lot and always cuts through. He is also in excellent condition. He already scored against us with Deportivo. I would say that he is the player to watch and follow with great attention. We still have the same spirit of the Manchester days because that is who we are. The spirit of this club remains, even when the players change.
'I am doing well. It’s already been ten days now that I’ve been training with the team. I am managing my injury well. I am ready to play 90 minutes with maximum effort and fighting spirit. Every Champions League game is a new adventure. Living these games is absolutely the top for a player. The charge from the fans is also a great motivation. The San Siro has a special kind of therapeutic effect.
'A Milan-Roma semi-final would be great for both sides and for Italian football. However, it is premature to start thinking about this.’
, I'd like to see him hanging his boots on a high level, like hes always been.
thopugh they dont have a snowball in hells chance unfortunately, those suspensions are gonna be costly
