Milan chief backs Leonardo to bring glory back to San Siro

AC MILAN general manager Adriano Galliani has likened the appointment of Leonardo as coach to the arrival of Fabio Capello in the 90s and backed the new man to achieve a similar level of success.

The Brazilian succeeds Carlo Ancelotti and though Leonardo has no coaching experience, Galliani insists the club are not taking a risk in appointing the 39-year-old.

“This club has got very little wrong with its choice of coach down the years,” he said. “I remember in 1991, when (Arrigo) Sacchi’s term came to an end after four years, we had to listen to all sorts of stories about Capello.

“He went on to win four titles in five years and we played in three consecutive Champions League finals. We are sure that Leonardo will do well. He is an intelligent person and knows how to maintain a relationship with the players.”

Like Capello, Leonardo was already employed by the club in a technical capacity before being installed as the new head coach.

And like the man he replaces, he has already built up a strong relationship with everybody at the club.

“I remember that Leonardo is the only player who made me cry when he left this club,” said Galliani. “That has never happened for anybody else. I think it was written in the stars that he would come back and I wish him the best of luck.”

Rumours that Leonardo would take over from Ancelotti this summer first surfaced in January when he admitted he would “one day” like to coach Milan or Brazil.

“That was just something I said that day,” explained Leonardo. “It was not my intention six months ago to replace Carlo. I am very close to Carlo because of these six years spent as a technical director with him. Only afterwards did it start to develop bit by bit in a certain way.

“But the most important thing is that the decision was made together. It would have been impossible to end on bad terms with Carlo and then start my own adventure.” Leonardo will officially start his new job on July 1 after signing a two-year contract.

Galliani, meanwhile, revealed several players were reduced to tears when they heard Ancelotti was leaving for Chelsea.

“I am still in a bit of shock after yesterday with the emotion of the game and then in the dressing room. I spoke first and thanked him and Paolo Maldini and remembered these eight years and a lot of players were crying.”

Leonardo revealed Ancelotti encouraged him to step into his shoes.

“Yesterday was an extraordinary day, to see all the players crying,” he said. “Carlo is the man who has pushed me the most to take on this challenge. I have had a very friendly relationship with Carlo all this time and he has not only wished me good luck and given me a lot of advice, but he has inspired me a lot.”