AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini believes the Brazilian trio of new coach Leonardo, heir apparent Thiago Silva and forward Alexandre Pato will have a major impact on the seven-time European champions' ability to compete for trophies in his absence.
Right man
Maldini retired at the end of last season after an extraordinary 25-year career with the Rossoneri and was subsequently followed out of the door by Kaká, who joined Real Madrid CF, and coach Carlo Ancelotti, who moved to Chelsea FC. However, Maldini is sure that Leonardo can overcome early problems and lead Milan to success. "It's definitely a great challenge for him and the club because to replace a coach like Ancelotti is not easy," Maldini told uefa.com. "It's his first experience as a coach, but after a turbulent start when he still didn't know whether to accept the offer, now I see him as very determined. He is a very intelligent guy who understands and knows the club very well."
Capable replacement
Although Leonardo is yet to prove himself as a coach, Milan are already grateful for what he did as a player and scout – most notably helping the Rossoneri to strike deals in Brazil for the likes of Kaká, Thiago Silva and Pato. Centre-back Thiago Silva, who joined last term but could not be registered until this season, is seen by many as Maldini's successor. "He was with me the whole of last year," Maldini said. "It was clear to us that we had a very strong player with great physical and technical potential, and he also has personality, which is crucial for a player who wants to play in this position for a team like Milan. He will need some matches to gel with his team-mates because training can't replace a real match, but he is a player with great potential."
A unique talent
Pato, who scored 26 goals during his first season and a half with the Rossoneri, is continuing to make strides as he tries to fill the hole left by Kakà. "He has all it takes to become one of the best players in the world," Maldini added. "He already is. Maybe it's still too much to expect him to turn around every match; people forget that he hasn't even turned 20 yet. It's normal for a player at this age to have more ups and downs than somebody more experienced, but he really is an extraordinary player – his speed and his ball control are unique."
Invaluable experience
Maldini will not discount the possibility of his former side upsetting the odds to win silverware this season. "In the Italian championship anything can happen because you can start with lots of enthusiasm and maybe you are able to do something out of the ordinary. However, there are two stronger teams than Milan in Serie A. As for the Champions League, I think it's an even harder competition because there are very, very strong teams, for example from Spain and England. But Milan aren't scared of anyone in two-legged ties, so hope lies in our experience and the memories we have from this competition which have made us so successful in the Champions League." The prospect of a Milan side lifting that trophy without Maldini, however, would take some getting used to.
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