Leonardo: Milan need clean sheet
Reuters - Monday 15 February 2010, 14:32
MILAN - AC Milan face a balancing act
between denying Manchester United an away goal in Tuesday's
Champions League last 16 first-leg clash and seeking to attack
themselves, coach Leonardo said on Monday.
Although the seven-times champions have never lost to United
over two legs and have won their last four encounters in Italy,
they are especially wary of last seasons's runners-up and
in-form striker Wayne Rooney.
"An objective of Milan is to not concede a goal but United
are a team that always tries to score," the Brazilian rookie
coach told a news conference.
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"Milan have to try to find a balance between not conceding
and trying to do some damage. The two teams know each other
well."
Despite Leonardo's caution, the days of the Rossoneri
shutting up shop and settling for 1-0 wins are long gone.
The defence is more error-prone than the past while an
expected front three of Ronaldinho, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and
Alexandre Pato go on the attack at every opportunity.
"Milan are an expert team that have won lots and this year
we have been able to play pretty football, with great technical
quality," added Leonardo, whose side are third in Serie A.
The match will be especially important for on-loan Milan
midfielder David Beckham, who won the 1999 Champions League
under Alex Ferguson at United before leaving in 2003.
"Compared to seven years ago, I have more experience today
both as a person and as a player. To play at different clubs
always brings more experience," said the 34-year-old former Real
Madrid player, who is not assured of a start on Tuesday.
"During my time in Manchester there were ups and downs but
for me Ferguson was like a father."
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