Dinamo Zagreb coach Fabio Cannavaro believes that the ‘same problems’ exist at AC Milan under Sergio Conceicao as they did under Paulo Fonseca.
Both Milan and Dinamo Zagreb come into the final game of the Champions League first phase with the same mission: to win. For the Rossoneri though it is a case of three points securing a top eight spot, while for the hosts they would have a chance of getting a play-off place.
Last week’s victory at San Siro against Girona catapulted Milan from mid-table to sixth, and that has given them a chance to directly qualify for the last 16 of the competition which did not seem possible after starting with two defeats.
It has been a strange season for Dinamo domestically, who are on their third head coach of the season, but they will look to go out with a bang in front of what will be a boisterous home crowd.
Cannavaro spoke at a press conference at the Stadion Maksimir on the eve of the match against Milan, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
“The management of Milan hasn’t changed: the problems that were there before are still there now. With Conceicao there’s the feeling that the team expects you more and then bites you. I like that he has conveyed to the players to never give up and to fight until the end.
“He was like that in his past and he’s bringing it to Milan now. He risks a lot on the counterattacks like with Fonseca, but I saw something different.”
“I’m happy to see him again, I have an exceptional relationship with him. I’m happy to see him in Italy because he’s a great professional. As a footballer, I didn’t think he could become this type of coach.
“He’s always been so prickly. Sergio complained a bit about some things and Renzo Ulivieri told him he’s a pain in the ass. Then he’s always taken, he makes it clear that he cares.”
Does it feel like a derby for you?
“It’s an extra motivation. Milan have an important history in the Champions League and for my players too tomorrow they will be an important team. We will have to suffer, because there is a difference, but we will have to take advantage of the situations that we will create.”
Gabbia is an interesting player, he has grown a lot. Our school has stopped working a bit compared to how it used to be and the national team has also suffered a bit.
“The Italian teams develop young players and then sell them to the Premier League. Before it was the opposite. Now there are many foreign clubs, whose aim is to find talents and then sell them.”
As a defender, would you have liked to mark Camarda?
“I really like Camarda. When you’re good, there’s no need for age: you play. He’s a complete player, I’ve been following him for years. He’s the future of our national team if he continues like this. Of course, he has to play and he has to have the chance. I really like him.”
Will Milan think about the derby?
“No, they are here to win.”
