- Tell me honestly: did you expect from “Milan” such a game in Munich?
- Of course. Before the match, he talked on the phone with Galliani and Ancelotti for a very long time and realized that everything was in order in the team. I knew that the skill of the players allows you to bet specifically on victory with an advantage of more than a ball. This plan was a success. I had a good idea of how the game would develop, and the guys did not disappoint. Everyone felt like a member of a great team, which I always demand from them.
- Filippo Inzaghi told reporters that your call before the game incredibly charged him ...
- In that situation, it seemed right to me to personally witness my faith in him. Still, he was outside the team for a very long time and probably did not feel ready to the maximum. Inzaghi is the man who never fails. And I am happy that this time he scored such an important goal.
- In truth, it was visible on TV that he was offside ...
- Not true. I specifically studied after the game a record of that moment and I saw very well that Filippo was returning when he was followed by a pass.
- How do you explain that it was on the most important evening for yourself that Milan could change this way?
“Now we can say that.” After that draw 2: 2 on “San Siro” I went down to the locker room and arranged a terrible scolding for the team. After all, it is unthinkable, having such cool players in its composition, in the last minutes does not know how to pick up the ball and defend such a precious victory. I always demand a performance from the team. But when you lead with a goal difference and the game ends, you only need to cover the ball from the opponent. We behaved incorrectly. It is just as untrue as the Italian team in the Euro 2000 final, when she quit playing her football in the end and lost everything. I think that my rush to the “San Siro” really helped the team. Indeed, already in the next game of the national championship, against Empoli, even winning 3: 1, until the last second only we owned the ball.
- In your opinion, which of the Milan players has become a symbol of the Munich victory?
- Everyone played great. Once again I saw in the center of our defense the inimitable duo of Maldini - Nesta. Gattuso habitually fought for every ball. Dida was impeccable at the gate. But if you force me to name only one name, I’ll call Clarence Seedorf. He again showed his class and demonstrated the pride of a team that never gives up and therefore occupies a high place in Europe. We are again the first in the UEFA ranking, for the third year in a row and the fourth time in the last five years we will play in the semi-finals of the Champions League. This is a great achievement that no other club has had in recent years.
- It seems that the season of 1989, magnificent for Milan, can be repeated, when Inter won the scudetto and Milan won the Champions Cup.
- Perhaps. Then I will be happy for all the typhosis of my city. After all, in my heart after “Milan” is always “Inter”.
- In truth, if everything ends, as in the 1989 season, for Tifozi “Inter” it will be a real nightmare. Again, “Milan” will eclipse them scudetto their victory ...
- Well no. Tifozi “Inter” should also be happy. After all, this year they experienced a lot of joy and as they should note the well-deserved scudetto. Anyone who truly loves football and knows what it means to act like a sportsman should be satisfied that one of the Italian teams goes further in Europe and should appreciate those who play well. This is how we behave in a similar situation.
- However, we must look forward. Don't you think that in the semifinal confrontation, the favorite, perhaps, is Manchester?
- And here I will be optimistic, as always. Manchester is not a favorite. We respect him very much, but are not at all afraid. In the semifinals, clubs start from the same positions, without any inferiority complexes. One evening in Manchester, everything turned out very well for them. However, nothing came of Rome. Therefore, we should not be afraid of those 7: 1. Indeed, in the first match won the “Roma".
- If the “Milan” will be “Manchester”, who would you like to meet in the finals?
- We have an honorable obligation to our fans: to play in the finals with Liverpool. And delete from their memory the shame of two years ago. That is our dream and the main goal now.
Translation by George BYCHKOV