A lot of states

The last weeks the members of our team make statements to the press that we are better than Liverpool in an arrogant way. Is it bad for our team because we are not focussing on the "play" part.

It is the usual statements of Berlusconi: http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/may22a.html

President Silvio Berlusconi is certain that his classy Milan side will win the Champions League Final on Wednesday.

The Rossoneri touched down in Athens yesterday and are looking to avenge their 2005 loss to Liverpool when the Italian giants threw away a 3-0 half-time lead.

“I am sure that Milan will win in Athens because they have more class than their opponents,” said a confident Berlusconi.

“We have already defeated Manchester United during the season and since United beat Liverpool, the football rule says that now Milan must defeat Liverpool themselves.”

The Final two years ago ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, but the former Prime Minister has no fears about such an outcome again.

“Our players have trained specifically for penalties,” he added. “They have even done so against ‘dancing’ goalkeepers.”

Meanwhile, boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he has already decided on his starting XI – even if he is giving little away.

Reports suggest that Filippo Inzaghi will be preferred to Alberto Gilardino upfront, while Paolo Maldini should start and be able to play in his eighth European Cup Final.

The game will kick-off at 20:45 CET and will be refereed by Germany’s Herbert Fandel, who officiated at the UEFA Cup Final between Sevilla and Middlesbrough last May.

He has presided over Milan matches on five occasions in the past, with the Rossoneri victorious in all.

Liverpool’s record under Fandel is much poorer as they have collected just a draw and two losses.

There were also statements of the same content by Ancelotti and Rino. I heard 1 hour ago that the players of Liverpool discuss a lot about our statements and they seem to be determined to respond in the field.

I think Savicevic made the best statement:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/may22j.html

Former Milan legend Dejan Savicevic has urged the Rossoneri to forget about Istanbul 2005 revenge.

The San Siro outfit face Liverpool in the Champions League Final on Wednesday, just two years after throwing away a 3-0 half-time lead in an astonishing defeat to the English giants.

Although a number of Milan players are obviously keen to make up for that painful defeat, Savicevic has told uefa.com that the past must not interfere with the present.

“It is very important for Milan not to play under pressure, not to think about that Final in Istanbul or about revenge,” he stated.

“That was a specific match and I don’t think that scenario will ever happen again. Milan must play with calm and patience, but with brave hearts as well.”

The former attacking midfielder knows all about preparing for an Athens Champions League Final as he was part of the Milan side which demolished Barcelona 4-0 back in 1994.

“The Rossoneri must play like we did against Barca,” added the former Red Star Belgrade playmaker.

“Milan’s biggest advantage could be their experience. Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf, Fillipo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo and Nelson Dida have all played many important games.

“Milan also have the magnificent Kaka, who could be decisive.”

Savicevic, now President of the Football Association of Montenegro, scored a stunning goal in the 1994 Final by beating Andoni Zubizarreta with an outrageous lob.

“We went to Athens with a little fear,” he added. “We had a lot of problems and we were playing against a big team.

“However, we knew we had some advantages as we were disciplined and tactically ready for a tough game.”

and benitez and liverpool players and their board have been talking themselves up too.