Strachan Warns of AC Milan Quality

Gordon Strachan, the Glasgow Celtic manager, was asked in a press conference yesterday if he believed Celtic were facing a “wounded giant” due to their points deduction and threat of relegation due to match fixing allegations. Strachan dismissed those claims stating,

“The trauma that they had to go through at the end of last year affected their start to the season.

“But the stuff I watched them play recently was good. They look strong.”

Their new signing, Brazilian Ronaldo, is of course cup tied having already played for Real Madrid in this season’s competition. Ronaldo scored a brace on his debut for the Rossineri in their 4 - 3 away win at Siena at the weekend and Strachan added, “thank goodness he is not playing.”

As well as Ronaldo being cup tied, AC Milan could also be without other front line strikers for the game at Parkhead. Italian International Filippo Inzaghi is missing through injury whilst fellow Italian World Cup-winning striker Alberto Gilardino is considered doubtful.

Carlo Ancelotti also has Marco Borriello suspended, which leaves the Milan coach with only the one out-and-out striker available in Ricardo Oliveira.

Although, it has to be said that Ancelotti isn’t the only one with new cup tied players. Celtic are also unable to field both Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley.

Milan’s veteran skipper and legend, Paolo Maldini stated he is relishing the return to Parkhead. Milan played out a goalless draw in the Champions League a couple of years ago but Maldini was impressed by the atmosphere created by the fanatical Celtic fans and he’s looking forward to experiencing it again.

Maldini said, “It’s one of the nicest places to play. I played here two years ago and the intensity of the crowd was amazing.”

He’s right, it should be amazing and if Celtic should score or even win, Paolo will discover what real noise sounds like. Not so sure he’ll be so excited about that though.

The Soccer Blogger