Clarence Seedorf insists he won’t “punish” Mario Balotelli in the Parma game, but again blamed “the situation” he inherited at Milan.
San Siro hosts sixth-placed Parma on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Clarence Seedorf insists he won’t “punish” Mario Balotelli in the Parma game, but again blamed “the situation” he inherited at Milan.
San Siro hosts sixth-placed Parma on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Parma are in good shape, so it’s going to be a tough game,” the Coach told Milan Channel just days after a 5-1 aggregate Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
“They are organised and have a lot of quality in attack. Roberto Donadoni has done a great job and achieved consistent results. I have to compliment him, but we’ll do everything to play with the Milan spirit.”
The 4-1 result at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday was widely considered to be one of Balotelli’s worst performances, so will he be dropped this weekend?
“As a preventative measure due to a slight muscular problem, he stayed behind to work in the gym, but it’s nothing serious. It’s only natural for people to now seek scapegoats, but we will remain united and focused. If we had beaten Juventus and Atletico at home, then things would’ve changed.
“Do I use the carrot or the stick? I only use the carrot. When there’s the need to check on a situation, I do it, but my philosophy is to face everything with a smile. Will I punish him? I want a rapport between adults, not between an adult and a child. Will Giampaolo Pazzini start tomorrow? No.”
The ultras have announced a protest ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A game, particularly targeting Balotelli and CEO Adriano Galliani.
“I feel a lot of love and expectation from the fans towards me,” commented Seedorf. “They expect something more from me, but I am certain that I’ll do Milan good. It wouldn’t be football without the fans, so we must respect and understand their sentiments. They want effort and appreciate sacrifice.
“For the past two years Milan have been chasing down the others and psychologically it was tough. When I got here, I did not find a team in good physical or psychological shape. We can’t think everything will improve straight away.
“The players are improving, but results have not been consistent, so that is what we are looking for now. We have to turn the page, target European qualification and focus only on what happens on the field.
“There is nobody guilty here, as we are all working to get the best for Milan. With Galliani we’ll do everything in future to make the Milan fans proud of us. It’s a difficult situation right now, as we are lacking confidence.”
Seedorf was even asked if he felt himself at risk after a series of defeats, having only replaced Massimiliano Allegri in January.
“How many times has a Coach been at risk after a few months, despite signing a two-year contract? I am not responsible for the situation that was created. I am here to improve the situation.
“I have a contract, the club has faith in me and I am trying to give my best. There was a lot of work to do here, so I am certain that with me the club will construct a strong Milan for future seasons. It doesn’t matter if you are not optimistic, because I am.”