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| | Ancelotti: Milan are cured |
Sunday 28 September, 2008 |
| Carlo Ancelotti assures Milan are “cured” from their dismal start, but Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko have much more to give.
“I think we're cured. Even if usually one says at this point that nothing has been achieved yet, the truth is we weren't going in the right direction and in 10 days we have turned the situation around.”
The 1-0 derby victory over Inter has put the Rossoneri just one point adrift of their city rivals despite losing the opening two Serie A games - their worst start in 22 years.
Dinho was a surprise starter in the Brazilian trio with Alexandre Pato and Kaka, the former Barcelona man scoring the winner with a towering header.
“Ronaldinho is not 100 per cent fit yet, but what he does in training is different to what he does on the field. The adrenaline of the match situation makes him pick up the tempo considerably.
“He needs to keep working hard. He is an atypical player and we have to find his right position, but tonight he was decisive.”
Ancelotti reportedly did not request Ronaldinho and instead wanted the club to sign Emmanuel Adebayor or Samuel Eto'o.
“We all wanted Ronaldinho. He is a great champion, we know what he can give and as we get to know him better realise he isn't just a goalscorer, he works hard for his teammates and to create goals for others.”
Shevchenko came on as a substitute and brought a great save out of Julio Cesar, but Ancelotti warned he too can only improve.
“Shevchenko is in the same condition as Ronaldinho and soon it will be his turn. It all depends on the style of football we're going for.”
With Andrea Pirlo out injured, Ancelotti adjusted his system so that either Gennaro Gattuso or Clarence Seedorf takes on that role.
“My tactical decisions are affected by the opposition, so I tried to put Seedorf there to keep the team level against a side that plays 4-3-3. Both Gattuso and Seedorf interpreted that role very well in their own way.
“It's our first clean sheet of the season! We struggled a little at the end because Inter were piling forward in numbers, but for the rest the whole team moved as a unit and defended very well.”
There is the worry that the Rossoneri got off to such a poor start with defeats to Bologna and Genoa because they thrive on the mentality of a big game.
“It is certainly true that Milan have always shown a lack of consistency in their mental approach. The fact we started so badly can be a positive aspect, as it is an alarm bell when preparing for matches that some might consider 'easier.'”
Ancelotti has met Mourinho twice and won both encounters, as his Milan defeated Porto in the European Super Cup in 2003.
“I never considered this a challenge with Mourinho, it is far more important than that. We closed up on the top of the table, beat a great team and in theory have ended that negative period with wins over Lazio and Inter. That is what it meant to us.”
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