A little of topic
Ancelotti stands by Dida Saturday
28 January, 2006
Carlo Ancelotti has publicly confirmed his faith in Dida after another howler cost Milan dearly against Sampdoria.
“He didn’t evaluate the trajectory of the ball very well, but Dida has our unconditional faith,” assured the Coach.
The Brazilian goalkeeper completely misjudged Andrea Gasbarroni’s shot in the 1-1 draw, allowing it to go in off his shoulder when he was trying to smother it with his chest.
“We started well, but didn’t make the most of our pace and possession because there were too many mistakes and wayward passes,” added Ancelotti after Andriy Shevchenko’s penalty had given Milan the lead.
“The team got back on track in the second half, but we were unable to get the winning goal.”
Sampdoria were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time, as they struck the woodwork twice with Sergio Volpi and Marcello Castellini.
“After Shevchenko’s penalty, we refused to let our heads drop,” explained Castellini. “We did well to get back into the game and could’ve won it. My new position on the right wasn’t a total novelty, as I played regularly there for Parma under Cesare Prandelli. The Coach asked us to keep the defence high and maintain pressure on Clarence Seedorf and Kaka.”
Walter Novellino insisted it was the individual performances that proved decisive at the San Siro, where Milan’s run of 10 consecutive home wins was terminated.
“I have to thank the players for the character and determination they showed today,” said the Blucerchiati boss.
Novellino is famous for improving his team’s output in the second half of the campaign and insists he’s on track for a UEFA Cup spot.
“I don’t think we’re lagging behind last season’s tally, as we have had a lot more injuries this time around. There’s a long way to go and a place in Europe is within our reach if we can recover some of our men.”
Ancelotti stands by Dida Saturday
28 January, 2006
Carlo Ancelotti has publicly confirmed his faith in Dida after another howler cost Milan dearly against Sampdoria.
“He didn’t evaluate the trajectory of the ball very well, but Dida has our unconditional faith,” assured the Coach.
The Brazilian goalkeeper completely misjudged Andrea Gasbarroni’s shot in the 1-1 draw, allowing it to go in off his shoulder when he was trying to smother it with his chest.
“We started well, but didn’t make the most of our pace and possession because there were too many mistakes and wayward passes,” added Ancelotti after Andriy Shevchenko’s penalty had given Milan the lead.
“The team got back on track in the second half, but we were unable to get the winning goal.”
Sampdoria were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time, as they struck the woodwork twice with Sergio Volpi and Marcello Castellini.
“After Shevchenko’s penalty, we refused to let our heads drop,” explained Castellini. “We did well to get back into the game and could’ve won it. My new position on the right wasn’t a total novelty, as I played regularly there for Parma under Cesare Prandelli. The Coach asked us to keep the defence high and maintain pressure on Clarence Seedorf and Kaka.”
Walter Novellino insisted it was the individual performances that proved decisive at the San Siro, where Milan’s run of 10 consecutive home wins was terminated.
“I have to thank the players for the character and determination they showed today,” said the Blucerchiati boss.
Novellino is famous for improving his team’s output in the second half of the campaign and insists he’s on track for a UEFA Cup spot.
“I don’t think we’re lagging behind last season’s tally, as we have had a lot more injuries this time around. There’s a long way to go and a place in Europe is within our reach if we can recover some of our men.”
