Dutchman has overseen first training session and is backed to be a success.
Having been confirmed as AC Milan’s new coach, all eyes will be on Clarence Seedorf on Sunday night as he prepares for his first game in charge.
‘Il Professore‘ called time on a playing career spanning across two decades earlier this week, as after sacking Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have made a bold move in appointing the 37-year-old who arrives with no previous coaching experience.
From out-witting his opponents on the pitch, the Dutchman will now have to do battle from the bench, and with former team-mates and coaches alike praising his personality and character, they are full of confidence that he will be a success.
Naturally with a change at coaching level, there will be a reaction from the Rossoneri who will look to put behind the disappointment of the season so far.
As a result, it is particularly difficult to make any judgements on Seedorf’s ability as a coach until next season when he will have had the summer to build his own team and implement his ideas in terms of tactics.
It is understood that he has opted for a 4-2-3-1 system for his debut against Hellas Verona at San Siro on Sunday night, with Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel De Jong providing protection for the defence, while Kaka, Robinho and Keisuke Honda will support Mario Balotelli.
Fortunately it would appear as though Seedorf is looking to reintroduce an attractive brand of football at Milan, something that supporters have been starved of in recent times under Allegri who failed to consistently allow his players to express themselves.
Seedorf admitted in his press conference this week that when he left the club in May 2012, it was at the end of an era for the Italian giants.
However, his task is to now help them start a new cycle of success as a coach, with Mario Balotelli amongst the current crop of stars who have confirmed the support of the decision and willingness to impress the Milan legend.
It remains a risky appointment, but it has worked for other clubs in the past, including Milan following the Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello years.
Nevertheless, it is likely to be a tense atmosphere at San Siro on Sunday, and Seedorf will need to deliver something quickly in order to establish the backing of both the players and the supporters.
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