Milan boss Clarence Seedorf has lavished praise on Atletico Madrid ahead of their Champions League clash this evening.
The Italian giants go to Vicente Calderon tonight looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from their Last 16 first leg.
But the Dutch Coach admits it will be tough against a great Atleti team.
“Atletico Madrid are a team in the true sense of the word. They know what they want and they have quality,” he told a Press conference.
“They may not have great champions, but they have two or three world-class players and a good level throughout the side. This makes the difference out on the pitch.
“Atletico have been playing well for years. They know each other well and we respect their strong points. We want to limit them to give us opportunities.
“[Atleti boss Diego] Simeone’s career speaks for itself. I have complimented before, so I think we should talk about the game now.
“Balotelli and Diego Costa are two very important players. Costa is devastating – a fantastic player. But Atletico Madrid aren’t just Diego Costa – they are a good team.
“The same goes for us and Mario.”
Seedorf then revealed that his men are underdogs, but will fight to stay in Europe.
“I’ve often been in situations in which we’re not the favourites, even in years in which we achieved important things,” he told a Press conference.
“The favourites were and are Atletico Madrid. I think the two sides will play in a similar manner to the first leg.
“They have a narrow advantage – the game is open and I’m expecting changes with regards to the first leg.
“We have to fight as a team and play with our hearts tomorrow. These things come before the technical and tactical aspects.
“Our approach to tomorrow's match will be similar to the one in the first leg. We will be aggressive and try to score
“Milan have a great history, and we have to honour the club and the shirt.
“I am doing this job with great enthusiasm and am confident that we can build a great future. And it is a future that won’t change whatever tomorrow’s result.
“The players are also extremely motivated. It’s an important moment for everyone – we know we can write a beautiful page in this club’s history.”
