LEO, THE USA AND THE FUTURE

The Milan coach always feels something special when he returns to the States. His memory is tied to the 1994 World Cup, but now he thinks exclusively of Milan and the team's future.

LOS ANGELES - The training is just finished, the American photographers and the local televisions try to 'steal' a few images of the Rossoneri. The new Milan coach is one of the most targeted ones. He is still looking for winning solutions, and perhaps for a few players able to help an already strong squad. One of the names is Luis Fabiano, who's still being negotiated for: "Luis Fabiano is undoubtedly a good player. He is the center forward of the Brazilian national team but the negotiations have to go on. I don't think we can speak of a risky move, because he could've been ready already at 23. What he lacked was a big club. If he shouldn't come we'll see. His name was named after Dzeko. They were both players we were interested in, but we must remember that Milan don't go on the market just to buy a name. If we do it, it's because he's useful to us, otherwise we can keep these. We have a good squad and shouldn't rush things."

Another name for the future could be David Beckham?
"David has had and still has a good relationship with all of us. He was very useful when he wore our shirt, he's also a nice person and the fact he came to visit us shows how much he cares about us. It was really a nice gesture. David is without doubt a very intelligent player and to say he could've been part of my plans is not strange at all, because he can play in any system."

It's not easy to start working again after a long journey...
"It's true, but we travelled well and we are also doing well. Today it was right not to work too hard, so we thought we would make the team do only aerobic work, only running."

What formation can we expect tomorrow against L.A. Galaxy?
"We will establish that tomorrow after we evaluate those who are able to play. Practically everyone, but we are also awaiting indications from Gattuso, Kaladze and Bonera. Certainly it's early to say for Pirlo and Zambrotta, who will work on their own, because they came back after the rest, because of the national teams. We'll see how Pato is doing... he got married, went on vacation... but he's 20 years old so he could make an effort."

From here, in the States, your adventure officially starts, considering you are facing international teams...
"Yes, it's true. Coming here always reminds me of the 1994 World Cup, which we won against Italy. We didn't play the final here but the memories travel. But I'm also realising that in my new coaching role there is less time for personal memories. I have to dedicate more time to the team and concentrate on teaching them something new. The team comes before everything."