New man may motivate Milan says Abbiati

AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati believes the change of coach at the Italian giants could help motivate the players this season.

After eight years in charge, Carlo Ancelotti left at the end of last season to take over at Chelsea and he has been replaced by rookie coach Leonardo, the former Brazil player.

But the 32-year-old goal-stopper believes that could help the team improve on their recent record of two third places and a fifth placed finish in Serie A in the last three seasons.

“There is harmony in the team. Sometimes the change of a coach can give a team new motivation,” Abbiati told the official Milan channel on Wednesday.

“On top of that there are many young players and us oldies are trying to integrate them into the changing room as best we can.

“Of course they’re still a little intimidated but that’s normal given they’re at Milan, but I’m sure that over the next few days they’ll start to find themselves.”

Abbiati will miss the start of the new season as he is still recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

It means that Milan will be missing four first choice players from last season when the new campaign begins as Kaka has left for Real Madrid, Paolo Maldini has retired and David Beckham has returned to Los Angeles Galaxy.