Leonardo hopes of turning point

AC Milan coach Leonardo believes Sunday’s victory could mark the turning point in their season.

The Rossoneri beat Roma 2-1 at the San Siro with goals from Brazil duo Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato.

The outcome was Milan’s third victory of the campaign and lifted the Rossoneri to eighth in the standings.

“My players gave proof of their determination,” he said. “These are not just three points, it means more than that.

“We had gone into the game on the back of negative results, we gave away an early goal, but my players showed such a determination that I was touched.

“I congratulate all of them, they did a great job.”

Leonardo, who went into the encounter under pressure with his team having mustered just two points in their previous three games, had reason to be relieved.

Lack of goalscoring had been Milan’s biggest problem heading into the game against Roma.

However, Pato, who had not scored since his brace against Siena in their Serie A opener, and Ronaldinho ended their scoring drought yesterday.

“I want to return to the national team and in order to do so I must do well at Milan,” said Pato.

“Leonardo told me that he believes in me and that I can do much better.

“I am delighted to have scored and I am certain that I have returned to be the player I was. Now I want to continue to do well for the team.”

Ronaldinho, who struck his first goal of the campaign from the penalty spot, was equally satisfied.

“Before I took the penalty I knew this was an opportunity to respond to my critics,” he said.

“I want to continue to do well on the pitch and give the Rossoneri fans some joy.”

Sunday’s result is a big boost in confidence for the Rossoneri who take on Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown at the Bernabeu Stadium.

“We face a difficult game against Real Madrid,” said Ronaldinho. “We need to take the positives from the game against Roma and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes against Real.”