Ancelotti: End Dida witch-hunt Saturday 6 October, 2007
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Carlo Ancelotti tried to put Nelson Dida’s Glasgow “mistake” behind them, but Milan visit Lazio without Marek Jankulovski.
The 2-1 Champions League defeat at Celtic Park has dominated headlines since Wednesday evening and after teammates Ricky Kaka and Massimo Oddo condemned Dida’s exaggeration of an injury inflicted by a fan, the Coach urged everyone to move on.
“Over the years Dida has shown himself to be a very professional and sporting athlete, who even got back up after he was hit by a firework,” said Ancelotti, referring to the 2005 Champions League quarter-final against Inter.
“The other night he made a mistake. I don’t know why he did it, but considering his history of good behaviour we should put it all behind us. It was a mistake, that’s all there is to say.”
Dida collapsed to the ground after a fan ran on to the pitch and tapped him lightly on the cheek, but the Brazilian went off on a stretcher clutching an ice-pack to his face and could now be suspended by UEFA for simulation.
“The fact he went off the field was an evaluation by the medical staff. They did not see the incident in real time and could not know the extent of the damage, so they preferred
to avoid any potential risks.”
Even before those histrionics, Dida had been continually insulted by the Rossoneri supporters and the media highlighted his errors in both Celtic goals.
“Dida has not made many mistakes,” insisted Ancelotti. “There was one at Siena, but in Glasgow we took a different view. We believe his vision was impaired by the other players in front of him, so he didn’t see the shot until late. You can make your own evaluations, we will make ours.”
Dida is in the squad for Sunday’s trip to Lazio and is expected to start in goal, but Milan are without Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze, Serginho, Ronaldo and Marek Jankulovski.
“Marek took a knock to his knee during the Celtic game and at the moment is unavailable. Unfortunately we had a few physical problems after that match, so we will keep a close eye on Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo until the last minute. Massimo Ambrosini did not train today because of a cold, but he’s fine and so is Kaka.”
Ancelotti is under increasing pressure, as his team have not won in Serie A since the opening 3-0 result at Genoa.
“It is a difficult time, but I’d wait before writing off our entire season. We have always overcome tough moments and Lazio is a great opportunity to leap that obstacle.
“The Biancocelesti play attacking, organised, incisive and smart football with a lot of movement off the ball. They had a few problems early on, but are finding their way again.”
Milan squad: Dida, Kalac, Fiori; Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Nesta, Oddo, Simic; Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kakà, Aubameyang, Inzaghi, Gilardino
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/oct6i.html
Potential risks
