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| | Ancelotti keeps calm |
Sunday 5 October, 2008 |
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Carlo Ancelotti insists Milan “did not take a step backwards” with their goalless stalemate at Cagliari.
“It isn't necessarily a step backwards, as a blip was bound to happen after so many games. We continue our path and I think the result was correct considering the overall performances of both sides,” said the Coach.
The 0-0 against the bottom of the table side, who had previously lost all five matches, ended a run of five straight wins in all competition for the Rossoneri.
“These things can happen over the course of a campaign against a determined team that played good football. We cannot expect to win every encounter.
“We didn't play an exceptional game, but it was decent against a side that played to the best of its abilities.”
Ancelotti again fielded the Brazilian trio of Alexandre Pato, Kaka and Ronaldinho, but they struggled to create much from the midfield.
“The Cagliari full-backs push forward a great deal, so I preferred to keep the flanks covered with Gattuso and Ambrosini, leaving Seedorf in the centre.”
He made substitutions for the final 20 minutes, throwing on Andriy Shevchenko and Pippo Inzaghi for Pato and Ronaldinho.
“We needed a powerful centre-forward to force their defence, but Borriello is injured and Inzaghi has just started training, so he wasn't fit to play more than 20 minutes. I do admit I might've made the changes a little earlier.
“The break for international duty is coming up so over these two weeks Ronaldinho and Shevchenko will certainly improve their physical form.”
Ancelotti was furious with the referee after the final whistle, complaining loudly at the three minutes of stoppages awarded at the Stadio Sant'Elia.
“I was angry at the amount of stoppages awarded, as there were six substitutions and several injuries, so I thought it ridiculous and amateurish to give three minutes, especially from a referee who has been at the World Cup.”
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Cag 0-0 Mil: Cagliari muzzle Ka-Pa-Ro
Milan's Brazilian trio of Kaka-Pato-Ronaldinho failed to break down bottom of the table Cagliari, who pick up their first point. More |
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