Sport | Football
'I've been lucky to play at a club like AC Milan'
Baresi is often credited with being the man responsible for transforming defence into an art form
- By Duane Fonseca, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 March 14, 2010
- Image Credit: Reuters file
- Franco Baresi (6) keeps the ball away from Brazilian forward Romario during the first half of their World Cup final match July 17, 1994 in Pasadena, USA.
Dubai : One of the most effective men at the back for both AC Milan and Italy, Franco Baresi, in many ways, remained the unsung hero of the numerous Scudetti-winning Rossoneri team and the Italian team that won the World Cup in 1982.
He is often credited with being the man responsible for transforming defence into an art form.
In Dubai to play for Milan in the Legends Division of the Emirates Airline Dubai Football Sevens, Baresi, 49, sat down with Gulf News for an exclusive chat in which he spoke about Milan, Italian football and the curiosity Dubai has aroused in his mind.
Gulf News: What are your thoughts on Milan's Champions League disaster against Manchester United?
Baresi: We didn't lose it in the second leg of the match, but we had already lost the tie when we let them win 3-2 at the San Siro. This caused us a lot of problems for the second leg. The team that makes less mistakes always wins and we made too many mistakes during the first leg, so we couldn't do much about it in the away game.
What are your thoughts on Milan's chances in the Serie A?
We have been knocked out of the Champions League, but are still very much in the running for the Serie A title. It shouldn't be a problem for us there, but considering the fact there are so many tough teams in the Serie A, it's going to be difficult. We are there and we will go all out to win the title this season, but it's not just up to us. There are other teams doing well, but we need to learn to capitalise more on the mistakes of others.
You've had a very lengthy career. What's the secret behind playing for so long?
I've been lucky to play at a club like AC Milan. There are a lot of ways how players can stretch their careers. You need to have the enthusiasm, be disciplined and professional when you work every day, when you train. These things help you go a long way.
Italians are known for their defensive abilities. What's the secret behind it?
The culture prevailing in Italian football at the beginning was that if you can defend well you can win a game, but this was a long time back. Now it's changed a lot and we have good strikers and midfielders and some other good players so it's just a matter of the evolution of the game and Italy are not a totally defensive team like they were before.
Do you think Paolo Maldini is the best defender of all time?
It was a pleasure to play alongside Paolo when he started his career. We played a lot with AC Milan and Italy and he sure is one of the best defenders in the world. Maldini was helped by his incredible physical structure. He had incredible skills as a defender and was spot on with reading the game. Mentally he was tough, dedicated and very professional that's why he was so good at defending.
This is a big year for football. How will the 2010 World Cup unfold?
The weather is going to be different this time compared to other championships so teams like Brazil and Argentina will really have a very good chance. Italy go into the competition as world champions and we surely can do something. As far as Italy is concerned, I think coach Marcello Lippi will use most of the players he used in Germany.
Does Milan need a revamping where new players is concerned?
The club will review its player base after the season and pick a few players it wants to buy. This is usual because it wants to stay right up there with the other clubs in the world.
Who is the best defender in the world right now?
There are many names that come to mind like Barcelona's Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, Alessandro Nesta is really good, then you have Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry who are very, very good to have in your team.
Is this your first time in Dubai? What's your opinion of the city?
Yes this is my first time here. We don't have much time here, but I'm planning to use some of it to go around town and see whatever I can. I've heard a lot about the city and I am curious. I'm happy to be here and play here because it's nice to meet some of the former players you've played against.
Eye ball
Franco Baresi
An Italian youth team coach and former football defender with Milan.
Acknowledged as one of the greatest defenders ever to play the game.
Baresi played in two World Cups for Italy - 1990 when Italy lost to Argentina in the semifinals and 1994 when they lost to Brazil in the final.
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