Milan feeling buoyant, says Leonardo

AC Milan coach Leonardo insisted on Tuesday that his team has been buoyed by a recent unbeaten run of nine games ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille.

Milan top group C on head-to-head record over Real Madrid with the French giants just a point behind.

If the Italians win they will be through to the knock-out phase, while a draw would mean they can guarantee qualification by beating FC Zurich in two weeks.

And Leonardo says his team, who have won six of their last eight, is brimming with confidence.

“The recent positive results have boosted our morale,” he said. “This team has a great tradition in Europe and we have to be aware of that.

“The match in September in Marseille gave us a lot, it made us more secure but every time we go out onto the pitch we have to start from scratch.

“Tomorrow’s match will also be important for Marseille. Tomorrow we’ll try to maintain our level of play, as always we’ll try to win and so too I think will Marseille.”

Marseille beat Milan in the first Champions League final in 1993 but since then French club football has struggled to keep up with Italy, England and Spain.

Even so, Leonardo, who used to play for Paris St Germain, insists French teams should be feared.

“French football, alongside Italian and Spanish football, is very even. Maybe the French championship is followed less on a world level,” he said.

“But right now Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and PSG represent very well what French football is all about.”

Leonardo was once again forced to answers questions regarding the future of defensive midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, who is rumoured to want a move to the English Premier League.

But having previously dismissed any such notion, Leonardo was more ambiguous in his response this time around.

“Gattuso’s situation is very clear, I talked with him, he’s injured and everyone hopes he will get better soon,” said the Brazilian coach.

“His problem, if there is one, will be dealt with when the time comes. He has a great relationship with the club and whatever needs to be arranged isn’t and never will be a real problem.

“His problem right now is an injury and I hope he’ll be back soon.”

Leonardo dampened fears that forward Marco Borriello might miss the game with a knee problem, saying he would be assessed after training.

And the coach paid tribute to one of the stalwarts of the Milan team over the last seven years, Clarence Seedorf.

At 33 the former Dutch international is still an important part of the Milan midfield.

“He is a master at keeping up his level of concentration and that’s why after many years, and at his age, he can still make a difference,” said his coach.

“He has based his career on concentration and attention to detail. Anyone who has followed his career can only find his form logical, he’s led an exemplary career in regards to looking after himself.”

Seedorf himself said Milan would be looking to go all the way in the Champions League this season.

“We’re just one step away from the last 16 and we simply have to believe in ourselves, not just when it comes to making the second round but also in terms of winning this competition,” he said.

“It’s in this club’s DNA to aim for the sky and that’s what allows us to move forwards.

“Marseille are a very good side, we got a great result over there. They have our respect and we’ll try to impose our game on them.”