World NewsAncelotti Expects Improvement |
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admits his side still have a long way to go before they reach their best.
Bereft of a number of key players during pre-season preparations, the Rossoneri were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea last week and lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Saturday courtesy of Valeri Bojinov's winner.Milan's forward line in particular has been hit hard by injuries with Marco Borriello, Kaka and Pippo Inzaghi all sidelined while Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato are away on Olympic duty with Brazil. Defenders Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze are also missing.
Despite losing on Saturday, Ancelotti was able to take some positives from the games.
"I saw small improvements, although we are still a long way from good form," he said.
"I would like to see the team focused more on the season that is coming up rather than to these friendly tests.
"Clearly Manchester City had a different match fitness to us, as they are close to the start of their domestic campaign.
"Despite our absences, we tried to work around that by putting Massimo Ambrosini in a more advanced role so he could use his strength in the air."
Ancelotti reserved special praise for Tabare Viudez, who made his debut days after completing his transfer from Uruguayan side Defensor Sporting.
"Viudez moved well, did some good things and I think he is a lad we can count on for the future," the coach added.
Ancelotti's troops kick off their Serie A campaign at home to Bologna on August 31.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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