“It is clear that we are going to play a team with a great attitude and real quality. They are desperate to win the Champions League and after what happened two years ago we must be very careful. They are a very dangerous opponent for us. I have said many times we are stronger now than we were two years ago, but I also believe Milan are a better side than they were when we last played.”
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez fears a Rossoneri backlash.
“Milan were better prepared physically than us. They’ve been able to rest players and that made a difference. In fairness, we never looked like we were going to score. They were sharper and quicker to the ball and I think they've been good winners. We were on the back foot all the time and found it difficult.”
Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson saw his side easily overcome by Milan at the San Siro.
"We got a 2-2 draw in Milan and we had great hope that we would advance. But we always knew that they can win away from home. They got a lot of confidence from those two goals and they have great players. We tried everything and we went out fighting, but Milan was clearly the better team."
Bayern Munich Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld after the quarter-final clash between the sides.
"It was a fantastic evening in a great stadium with a great atmosphere, between two excellent teams. One with a bit more technique but the other with incredible heart, will and determination."
Gordon Strachan's Celtic side weren't able to cope with Milan's technical qualities in the second round.
“Technically, Liverpool are the worst team of the three English sides who reached the semi-finals. But out of the Reds, Chelsea and Manchester United, I'd have preferred United in the Final. You could see from the two legs of our semi-final with them that they play and let you play. I don't think it will be the same with Liverpool."
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti predicts a dull game in Athens.
"We were the best team today, even against a team only playing for the Champions League. In extra-time we were the only team who tried to win, but football is like that and the penalty shootout is part of the game.”
Jose Mourinho clearly feels the same as his Rossoneri counterpart after his Chelsea side narrowly missed out on a place in the Final.
"They are strong and mentally tough. Their style is very difficult to play against. We fought to the very last seconds, but Liverpool were highly motivated and they defended in such a way to stop us getting close to their goal."
Frank Rijkaard of Barcelona thinks that his former side could have their work cut out after losing out in the second round on away goals.
"Chelsea and Liverpool are the clearest, most exaggerated example of the way football is going - very intense, very collective, very tactical, very physical, and very direct. A short pass? No. A feint? No. A change of pace? No. A one-two? A nutmeg? A backheel? Don't be ridiculous. None of that. The extreme control and seriousness with which both teams played the semi-final neutralised any creative licence, any moments of exquisite skill."
Jorge Valdano, former Real Madrid and Argentina striker, enjoyed the semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool as much as the rest of us did...
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