AC Milan skipper Riccardo Montolivo spoke about himself, the Azzurri’s World Cup campaign, and the situation at Milan during an interview.
The 29-year-old Italian midfielder is currently recovering from a broken leg following an injury during Italy’s friendly with Ireland prior to the World Cup, and will miss the beginning of the 2014/15 season due to the injury.
During an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, the midfielder spoke about his injury and progress in his recovery, saying: “I’m better, it’s a long path; it’s already been a month after surgery, and I’ll do a check in mid-July with the surgeon and we will assess the situation. I don’t think I can return any sooner than November.
“I will do periodic checks to see the situation in my bones, which must be stable before I can start training, which I think will be sometime around November or December.”
When asked about the Azzurri’s disappointing World Cup campaign, Montolivo had this to say: “It’s hard to say what was missing; sitting in front of the TV was tough, as I was unable to lend a hand.
“Unfortunately, our World Cup was as bad as four years ago, and all of us were to blame, there is no single one.
“I’m sorry [about the World Cup campaign;] in these four years [coach Cesare] Prandelli has done a great job, as well as the team. However, we couldn’t perform in Brazil despite our good progress.
“You can’t question someone like [Prandelli]. Although he made a mistake, you can’t criticize him just for that, he has done a lot of good in these four years. I wish him the best of luck in his future career, which will certainly be bright.
“I’m sorry, sad, and we were all hoping to do better.”
In addition, the midfielder continued on about Mario Balotelli.
“No one is left outside the group. It is difficult to form an opinion [on Balotelli], we all know that he tried and has done his part. He is one of the most technically gifted on the team and we expected more from him, but his contribution [the goal against England] was important.
“Advice? We will talk when I see him. He is 24 now, and he must take responsibility and face his actions, which he is starting to do.”
Montolivo then spoke about the coaching situation at Milan.
“[Former coach Clarence] Seedorf did not find the right tactics that allowed us to play well. He was hired for the good of Milan. However, management and the coach did not get along, and unfortunately we are not in Europe this season and he is gone.”
The player was much more optimistic about new coach Filippo Inzaghi: “I can’t wait to get started and can’t wait to meet him; I heard that he has the energy and right mentality to rebuild Milan.
“While he has the right ideas in mind, it is important for him to demonstrate his knowledge on the pitch, but we are all behind him, including the players and the fans.
“As for [assistant coach Mauro] Tassotti, I’m happy that he stayed.”
He then turned his attention to the departing Kaka.
“[Kaka] is part of the history of Milan, and I’m sorry to see him leave, but it was the best decision for everyone. I also just heard the news recently, and I wish him good luck, he will be missed on and off the field but it was a mutual decision. I told him to come and visit us!”
He continued on to the mercato and the Rossoneri’s goals for next season.
“Midfield reinforcements? I do not know, [Nigel] De Jong’s injury is less severe than mine. It won’t be the end of the world for Milan but there will be some problems.
“The club is doing everything they can to give Inzaghi the best possible squad for the season but I do not know which area is to be strengthened further.
“[Stephan] El Shaarawy? He returned strong last season, albeit for only a few matches, and he is doing very well. I hope he continues where he left off.
“The goal for Milan this season is to become competitive again in Italy, and to secure a Champions League spot.
“Most importantly of all, there is a desire to become one, from the President down to the warehouse workers. We want to show that we are a single body, and we want to show that we can save Milan.”
