Clarence Seedorf, Legendary player of AC Milan who had already played briefly for Inter, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview released today:
"I see balance in this year's Serie A championship. The great teams are very close to each other. Milan imposes their game and defends 15-20 meters higher. This is an attitude that should also be adopted in Europe. Inter lacks the killer instinct, they must learn to close games more quickly."
On Milan:
"They have fast players like Leao but it is not enough to play on the counterattack, in the Champions League the opponent is immediately on you. And if you stay that "low" you should defend perfectly. They have a fast ball recovery, in possession they know what to do and I like Pioli: in Europe you need to be more precise and an approach similar to what they have in the league. If Salzburg can do it, why can't AC Milan do it?"
Seedorf discussed the Derby:
"Milan must absolutely aspire to the title.They have history and tradition. The Rossoneri have a heavy shirt to those who face them. They have been together for years, it's time to aim for the Scudetto and to also compete in the Champions League, where they has to try until the end."
On Paolo Maldini:
"I'm not surprised because what I can say from the outside, Paolo will repeat it every day inside. Nobody knows the club better than him and what is missing for a next step. It is fortunate for Milan that he is there. He brought solidity and clarity, he will adapt his strategy according to the needs but the identity, philosophy and ambitions at the base will not change."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"I'm not surprised, because he has always taken great care of himself. At Milan, many have played for so long, Paolo, Cafu and Costacurta. It is crucial that there is a structure around him which is capable of enhancing his qualities."
On Franck Kessié:
"He has the right to ask for all the money he wants, as the club has the right not to accept and keep his balance line. I believe he should put his career first, then try to get the best from an economic point of view. Kessie did very well at Milan but in the Champions League they are last and I don't think he was very decisive. Today there are few irreplaceable players. I think Kessie is important for Milan and he would do well to enhance the technical aspect for his career before the money."
On Tonali and Barella:
"Barella? He is mature, to become a top-tier player at an international level he only has to take one last step: approach all the games as a protagonist, as a recognized leader. When he has this continuity too it will be complete. Tonali goes on like this, with this ambition: he is at the age when the strongest begin to make a difference. If he does it already now, at 21, he can aspire to become a top player," said Seedorf.
On his future in a managerial role:
"I have had experiences at all levels, including Uefa and Fifa. I know how football works, from grassroots to elite.I am already a consultant for some companies and I continue to pursue my interests: I launched "Seedorf Khabib Performance Club" together with Khabib Nurmagomedov, I am a certified neurolinguistic programming coach, I collaborate with a company that deals with artificial intelligence and data analytics in sport and I follow the Champions League with Amazon Prime. I like to communicate, offer a deeper point of view, interpreting the thoughts of those on the pitch to bring them into people's homes."
