Seedorf sees clear Champions League target for Juve, Milan and Inter and makes Ancelotti prediction | OneFootball

Former Milan star Clarence Seedorf feels Inter, Milan and Juventus ‘must’ qualify for the Champions League knock-out phase while Atalanta must be flexible and Bologna should ‘enjoy’ games.

A newly-formatted Champions League campaign starts today, and Seedorf, a four-time competition winner, previewed the upcoming European campaign in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The format involves 36 clubs in a unique group phase, and each team meets eight different opponents in the first part of the competition.

“I am curious. I liked the old formula. Waiting for big games was part of the show, but let’s give the new format time to show what it is like,” said Seedorf.

Who is the favourite to win the Champions League this season? Seedorf, a former Milan, Ajax and Real Madrid star, has no doubts.

Seedorf sees clear Champions League target for Juve, Milan and Inter and makes Ancelotti prediction

“History says that Real Madrid is the team to beat, but many other clubs can win it.

“The gap has been reduced, and there are no easy games. I am convinced Carlo Ancelotti will find a balance in Madrid and with Mbappé. Keeping the same set-up will allow Guardiola to work on details at Manchester City. PSG still have one of the most competitive teams in Europe, and Mbappé’s exit may give the rest of the group more responsibility.”

Seedorf scored 49 goals in 325 games under Ancelotti at Milan, winning the Champions League twice at San Siro.

This season’s Champions League will involve five Italian clubs, and Seedorf explained what he expected from them.

“Inter, Milan and Juventus must qualify for the second stage,” he said.

“Atalanta have no easy games, but they can aim high. Bologna must enjoy this experience. Inter have a solid and experienced team, Milan have a European DNA, and Juventus came close to winning the Champions League many times. When you are in a position to compete, the victory depends on details.

“Atalanta have a highly prepared coach and a call from a Premier League club would not have surprised me after the Europa League victory,” continued the ex-Dutch midfielder.

“However, Atalanta may struggle if they don’t find tactical flexibility, while Bologna have nothing to lose.”

How about Serie A stars? Lautaro Martinez is among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees, Rafael Leao is still struggling for consistency at Milan, while Juventus have signed several new players, including Teun Koopmeiners and have given Kenan Yildiz the No.10.

“Lautaro is one of the best strikers. He has been consistent and continues to improve,” said Seedorf.

“However, victories always arrive with the team. Even the greatest strikers have never won the Champions League alone.

“Leao is the master of his destiny. He has talent, so he must use it to become one of the best.

“As for Koopmeiners, everyone must prove their worth. It’s not easy to succeed immediately. The growth process for young players isn’t always the same, but both [Koopmeiners and Yildiz] can have an important role.”