Ancelotti sees Lennon as threat
Carlo Ancelotti today singled out Neil Lennon as Celtic’s main threat - because the midfielder reminds the AC Milan coach of himself.
The Italy, Milan, Roma and Juventus legend has won almost everything there is to win in the game and played with some of the greats.
But when asked about who impresses him most in the Celtic line-up ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League Group F clash he had a surprise choice for the waiting media.
Ancelotti said: “They have quite a lot of good players and (Henri) Camara is something new in Europe.
“They have some good forwards in (John) Hartson and (Chris) Sutton and they also have Juninho who is a good player but the one I prefer is probably (Neil) Lennon.
“I like that type of player. He is defensive and committed and reminds me of me.”
Also a concern for the AC Milan coach is the fitness of former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam.
The Dutch international is still struggling with an ankle injury and Ancelotti admits it would be a major blow if he fails to recover in time to face Celtic.
“Stam still has a problem with his ankle,” he continued. “Scottish teams are very physical.
“He would be the right defender for this game versus the Scottish forwards.”
Ancelotti is not only a big fan of Lennon but also of everything Scottish.
The AC Milan coach revealed that he had family in Penicuik – close to Edinburgh – but had not consulted them on how to beat Martin O’Neill’s men.
“I have much experience of Scottish teams,” said Ancelotti.
“There was a match between Roma and Dundee United but I was injured and couldn’t play at that time.
“I have also played against Scotland. I like the environment there and Scotland has a positive attitude to football.
“The country is actually close to me because I have relatives there. I also have a strong feeling to saving my money.
“They are from my wife’s side but I haven’t spoken to them about the game because they don’t know much about football.”
Celtic will have to end their dismal record away from home in the Champions League and become the first side from Scotland to score in the San Siro against AC Milan.
It is also the birthday of owner Sergio Berlusconi and star striker Andriy Shevchenko, who hit a deadly double in the victory at Lazio at the weekend.
Ancelotti said: “The players feel they cannot lose and they have to win tomorrow.”
The Italian must now decide who to play alongside the Ukrainian with Filippo Inzaghi, on-loam Chelsea star Hernan Crespo and Jon Dahl Tomasson stating their cases.
“Shevchenko will play an then the other is one of three,” he said.
“Crespo played well at the weekend even though he wasn’t match fit.”
