Ambrosini: Milan weaker than Real

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2012 by ESPN

AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini confessed that the side are weaker than teams such as Real Madrid, especially after they were beaten 5-1 by the La Liga champions last week.

A strong performance by the Spanish side with goals by Angel di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Jose Maria Callejon ensured that the Milanese side were humiliated by Los Blancos in the pre-season friendly.

Ambrosini, 35, was part of the squad on the day of the match and he admits that there is a gulf in class between Milan and other top sides in Europe. The club recently sold star duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain and have yet to secure proper replacements in the current transfer window although Ambrosini maintains that the search is ongoing.

The AC Milan captain does feel, however, that with some hard work and determination, the players could ensure that the team remains in the running for the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League in the new season.

"We are sad because it was a bad impression, so it is normal to be nervous after a defeat like that," the veteran told Milannews.it upon the team's return to Italy on Saturday.

"It must be said that we've also played a team much stronger than us. This season, teams like Real are not at the same level as Milan, we are aware that we are one or two steps below these big clubs.

"At present, however, it is important for us to find the right spirit that this team will then have all season.

"This team is aware that times have changed because we have lost so many important players. This pre-season has helped us capture a greater awareness of this.

"I don't know what the club are planning next in the market but they are right to focus on create the right atmosphere.

"The season is long, the results on the field will tell if this team has managed to become more of a team. We really want to start the season."

Milan recently signed Cristian Zapata on loan from Villarreal but Milan legend Cesare Maldini had commented earlier in the week that the Colombian defender was not of the same ilk as Brazilian international Silva.

“I did not expect the arrival of Zapata. We’ll evaluate how he is physically, but I certainly expected something better,” the 80-year-old told TMW.

"I think he still is not exactly a central defender but inevitably some kind of welcome by the fans after the departure of Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is a phenomenal player that I believe could have had a long career with the Rossoneri like (Franco) Baresi or Paolo (Maldini).

"So I think we need a high level player in defence."

Milan kick off their Serie A campaign with a game against Sampdoria on August 26.