[EU] Champions League 2007/2008 (16 Viewers)
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Ancelotti admires Arsenal
Carlo Ancelotti admits Arsenal deserved to qualify, as Milan were in no condition to do any more over the two legs.
“I think over the 180 minutes they were able to play the way they know how and Milan didn’t achieve that with consistency. The credit goes to Arsenal, who pushed us all over the field and kept the pressure up,” said the Coach.
The Rossoneri had the upper hand after a goalless first leg, but Cesc Fabregas scored from 25 yards with just six minutes to go and Emmanuel Adebayor sealed the 2-0 result.
“We tried and then conceded just as things seemed to be going our way. It’s a shame.
“There are no regrets. I don’t think we could have done anything more tonight, as Arsenal packed the midfield and made it very difficult for us to play, so everyone did all they could at this moment in time.”
Milan were the reigning European and World champions, but have been disappointing over the past few weeks in Serie A and the Champions League with fatigue taking its toll.
“We’re disappointed, but this is football, some you win and some you lose. We have to get back on our feet and keep going.
“The team did all it could tonight, so now we must focus on the future objective, which is fourth place.”
Ancelotti usually favours a Christmas Tree formation, but opted for a trident with Kaka supporting Alexandre Pato and Pippo Inzaghi.
“Because Clarence Seedorf was injured and others like Emerson weren’t 100 per cent fit, the most reliable line-up I had was two strikers plus Kaka. We struggled because the Arsenal midfield maintained constant pressure on us and that’s what decided the match.”
Now Milan must focus on achieving a top four finish in Serie A, but they have fallen behind Fiorentina.
“I think in terms of fitness and injuries this exit represents an advantage, as we can now work during the week and can find a much sharper and more entertaining squad in the future.”
Ancelotti was asked if his team had not been suffering from so many niggling injuries and tiredness – as they had to play every three days since January 13 to recover the games postponed for the Club World Cup – he remained diplomatic.
“It’s hard to say. Arsenal are very strong, young and enthusiastic. A Milan side at 100 per cent would have been able to challenge, but in our current condition it was tough to do anything more.”
Meanwhile, President Silvio Berlusconi moved to immediately quash reports Ancelotti would be fired for failing to progress past the second round.
“Arsenal played very well and deserved to go through. They played great football, had immense strength and at one stage didn’t let us see the ball,” said the patron.
“Will Ancelotti stay? Absolutely.”
channel 4
Carlo Ancelotti admits Arsenal deserved to qualify, as Milan were in no condition to do any more over the two legs.
“I think over the 180 minutes they were able to play the way they know how and Milan didn’t achieve that with consistency. The credit goes to Arsenal, who pushed us all over the field and kept the pressure up,” said the Coach.
The Rossoneri had the upper hand after a goalless first leg, but Cesc Fabregas scored from 25 yards with just six minutes to go and Emmanuel Adebayor sealed the 2-0 result.
“We tried and then conceded just as things seemed to be going our way. It’s a shame.
“There are no regrets. I don’t think we could have done anything more tonight, as Arsenal packed the midfield and made it very difficult for us to play, so everyone did all they could at this moment in time.”
Milan were the reigning European and World champions, but have been disappointing over the past few weeks in Serie A and the Champions League with fatigue taking its toll.
“We’re disappointed, but this is football, some you win and some you lose. We have to get back on our feet and keep going.
“The team did all it could tonight, so now we must focus on the future objective, which is fourth place.”
Ancelotti usually favours a Christmas Tree formation, but opted for a trident with Kaka supporting Alexandre Pato and Pippo Inzaghi.
“Because Clarence Seedorf was injured and others like Emerson weren’t 100 per cent fit, the most reliable line-up I had was two strikers plus Kaka. We struggled because the Arsenal midfield maintained constant pressure on us and that’s what decided the match.”
Now Milan must focus on achieving a top four finish in Serie A, but they have fallen behind Fiorentina.
“I think in terms of fitness and injuries this exit represents an advantage, as we can now work during the week and can find a much sharper and more entertaining squad in the future.”
Ancelotti was asked if his team had not been suffering from so many niggling injuries and tiredness – as they had to play every three days since January 13 to recover the games postponed for the Club World Cup – he remained diplomatic.
“It’s hard to say. Arsenal are very strong, young and enthusiastic. A Milan side at 100 per cent would have been able to challenge, but in our current condition it was tough to do anything more.”
Meanwhile, President Silvio Berlusconi moved to immediately quash reports Ancelotti would be fired for failing to progress past the second round.
“Arsenal played very well and deserved to go through. They played great football, had immense strength and at one stage didn’t let us see the ball,” said the patron.
“Will Ancelotti stay? Absolutely.”
channel 4
i saw some banner up in the stadium the other week on tv and it was in support of dubai group thing. those fans are fucking stupid, just shows that they care more about a bunch of rich people who will just put money into them and wont really give a shit, just to say they own a club, something to talk about over dinner. the fans should have really pressed to buy the club.
whata match that would have been to watch.
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