Italy

Adriano Galliani: The Champions League Is Milan’s Habitat

Galliani hopes the European stage will bring a much-needed breath of fresh air into the Rossoneri camp.

Sep 14, 2009 12:38:42 PM

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Adriano Galliani - Milan (Grazia Neri)

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Milan are back in Europe’s premier club competition after a one-year hiatus and vice president Adriano Galliani insists Leonardo’s men will be up to the challenge, starting with Tuesday’s clash with Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.

“We have been out of it for a year, but the Champions League is still our habitat,” he told reporters at the Malpensa Airport.

“We are the only side to have competed in three finals in this millennium and we are also the only Italian club to have won five international trophies in this millennium, while the others are still on zero.

“I hope that tradition will help us. I have said that Real Madrid will presumably finish in one of the two top spots [in the group], therefore Milan and Marseille will presumably fight it out for the other one. And that is why tomorrow’s game is very important.”

Brazilian ace Ronaldinho could be benched after another lacklustre performance at the weekend, when the Diavoli were held to a goalless draw by Serie A minnows Livorno.

“Ronaldinho is not the only culprit in Milan’s troubles,” noted Galliani.

“Then again, I’d take it easy, we are just at the beginning of the season and I saw a good Milan in the second half in Livorno.

“However, all the favourites [for the title] won their games yesterday. Everyone but us. And this must make us reflect.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com